Kate Middleton, a future Queen of England, has been seen wearing one of the Queen's heirlooms for only fifth time since her wedding as she was spotted leaving Kensington Palace for the yearly event.

The Duchess of Cambridge sparkled as she posed alongside Queen Elizabeth and the most senior members of the Royal family as they were photographed for a historic and a unique photo yesterday evening.

The unprecedented image of the 'magnificent six', which includes the Queen and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, her direct inheritor, Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.  Of course, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were taken at Buckingham Palace moments before the annual Diplomatic Reception has started earlier yesterday evening.

It is the very first time a photographer has been allowed to take a photo of the Royal Family at an event normally wrapped in secrecy. The interesting fact is that no-one in the royal household can quite remember the reasons for that.

However, in the Queen's 90th birthday year, officials have decided to release a photo of the Royal family as they prepare to welcome more than a 1,000 guests into the palace. They are quite an impressive sight as each of the three women are wearing evening dresses and tiaras from the Queen's collection.

Last year, Kate was seen wearing the diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, which was beloved by William's late mother, Princess Diana.

White-tie Diplomatic Reception is one of the highlights of the royal calendar, the main social event of the year. However, it seems that it's not so important for Prince William as he didn't even bother to shave for the occasion.

While his wife Kate Middleton dazzled beside him in precious jewels and a breathtaking evening dress, the Duke of Cambridge seemed to have misplaced his razor. Maybe, he was trying to copy the look his younger brother Prince Harry has been favoring in past years.