In green, duchess of diplomacy ...

KATE had a difficult fashion dilemma on her hands. Dressing for a glamorous occasion while seven months pregnant is hard enough, but the world waiting to see if a black gown would be worn added pressure.

In the end her choice of a striking green dress by British designer Jenny Packham (around £ ,500) was a brave – and winning – decision.

The gentle V of the neckline and the offthe-shoulder sleeve provided a flattering diversion from that growing baby bump.

But was Kate secretly lending her support to the cause with her choice of black accessories? Her dress had a black velvet ribbon sash and her Prada shoes (around £400) were black – as was her clutch bag.