Kate Middleton dazzled in a sophisticated black gown accented with sparkling jewels at the 2011 Military Awards.
The Duchess of Cambridge accompanied Prince William to the event, held at London’s Imperial War Museum, where they honored Britain’s military heroes. The ceremony celebrated the courage and achievements of servicemen and women across the nation.
Kate wore a dazzling diamond necklace—given to her as a wedding present by a family friend—along with a coordinating bracelet and earrings. Her floor-length velvet strapless gown featured a ruffled sweetheart neckline, while her hair, styled in her signature soft curls, fell elegantly over her shoulders.
Completing her look, she carried a chic black clutch with a bow and wore sleek black heels that peeked out beneath the hem of her dress.
Prince William, alongside his brother Prince Harry, looked sharp in a classic tuxedo. Both men, who have served in the armed forces, joined the evening to pay tribute to fellow service members.
Prince Harry, recently back from the U.S. after completing the final stages of his Apache helicopter training, praised the honorees as “inspirational role models for all young Britons.”
In his speech, Harry reflected on his own military experience:
“I am a young Army officer, a serving soldier. Like my brother, I share the same hopes, the same ambitions to deploy, and the same fears as all who serve our Queen and country. Yet, by an accident of birth, it is Captain Wales who must humbly express, on behalf of my comrades and people across the country, the admiration we feel for the remarkable men and women we honor tonight.”
He continued:
“It’s often said that our armed forces are ordinary people doing extraordinary things. But I don’t quite agree. Ordinary people don’t rush through heavy rocket and machine-gun fire to rescue a fallen comrade. Ordinary people don’t dangle from winch lines in driving monsoons to save 13 lives, one after another. And ordinary people don’t willingly risk their lives for strangers in places like Afghanistan, helping them rebuild their nation.”
Having served in Afghanistan himself, Harry also recognized the families who support those in uniform:
“The courage it takes to watch a husband, wife, parent, or child step into the unknown—and to stand by them as they do—is unimaginable. To those families, I can only say, along with every soldier, sailor, and airman here tonight: from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”