Duchess Kate forgoes her festive tradition at Queen's Christmas Luncheon

The Cambridge's gathered with extended Royal family members today for the Queen's annual pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace. 

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The lunch was a private family affair but photographers managed to get some snaps of the guests as they entered the gates of the Palace including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.

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The Duchess of Cambridge along with her royal tots, Prince George and Princess Charlotte were spotted en route to the Palace with Prince William behind the wheel and Prince Harry riding shotgun.

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Since Kate's first attendance in 2011, she had always favored a festive red outfit for this traditional yuletide luncheon.

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2011

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2012

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2013

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2014

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2015

But today she forwent this sartorial tradition and opted to wear purple instead! Kate also wore a black scarf.

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One of my readers suggested Kate may have worn her purple Issa London ruched dress. It's impossible to discern based on the limited photos we have, and I would be surprised given Issa's current ownership (i.e. why Kate stopped wearing it) but we'll wait and see!

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From the photo below, I think the Duchess may have accessorised with her Mappin & Webb 'Empress' earrings.

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I will update the post if better photos surface.