She Wore Blue Velvet: Kate in Erdem for Glamorous Stockholm Reception!

Following a busy day in Stockholm with Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spent their last evening in Sweden at a glamorous event at Fotografiska Gallery.

William and Kate travelled to Fotografiska by boat, allowing the couple to take in the beautiful views of Stockholm by night as they pass around the harbour.

The event was a celebration of contemporary culture with guests representing the worlds of music, film, television, theatre, tech, dance, art and sport, with live music, drinks and canap�s.

An arrival video from Richard Palmer. 

Royals reunited tonight at a reception for stars of Swedish film, music, the arts, and sport. pic.twitter.com/3QyrVnls3v

� Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) January 31, 2018

When Kate saw Victoria she laughed and said "That was a quick change".

Located in the heart of Stockholm, the museum has an exhibition space of 2,500 square metres, and features four major exhibitions per year and approximately fifteen to twenty minor exhibitions. The museum's exhibitions are among the city�s most popular attractions. Contemporary photography is celebrated with photographers from all over the world showcasing their work. Since the grand opening in 2010, they have shown legends like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle, as well as new photographers like Nick Brandt, Helena Blomqvist, Klara Kallstrom and Johan Wik.

William, Kate, Victoria and Daniel posed for a photo.

At night, the gallery boasts glittering views over Stockholm.

Before the reception, the Duke and Duchess enjoyed a short tour of the gallery's latest exhibition by UK photographer Nick Veasey.

The exhibition titled 'Inside Out' is described by the gallery: "Seeing Beneath the Surface with Nick Veasey�s X-Ray Vision. Everything is stripped down to the bare bone, the raw metal or whichever components are included in the objects that are subjected to Nick Veasey�s X-rays. He captures everything from the beauty of Victorian clothes to the fragility of a flower, or, why not, the humorous fact that a host of well-known personalities share the same skeleton? Embark on an exciting journey..."

British photographer Veasey is primarily known for creating his work using X-ray imaging. Speaking about 'Inside Out' he said:

"I want my images to make people sit up and take notice. I want to reach out to the viewer. My starting point is that we are all essentially the same from the inside out, which X-ray photography demonstrates. I�m convinced that there is more that unites us than divides us. That�s why every human body in my photographs is represented by the same skeleton, regardless of what attributes I add to the image."

According to Veasey, we should question our obsession with superficiality. His X-ray images are a way of posing this question.

We know Kate enjoys photography immensely and takes beautiful photos of her children. It turns out Kate takes photos of George and Charlotte every day, as William revealed whilst talking to Nick Veasey.

More from the Mail:

'Nick said later: 'We had a conversation about ultrasound, because she has been having scans while she is pregnant, and I told her that I'm inspired by the work of radiographers. She was really interested and she's a passionate photographer. William said that she takes pictures of her children every day.'

Meanwhile William admired tattoo artist Jesper Lagergren's inkings, joking that he might even get one himself. He said "they are cool tattoos" and he asked how many I have, but I wasn't able to answer because I don't know,' said Jasper, whose head is covered in ink. 'I said if he was interested I could fit him in tomorrow and he joked that he might get a tattoo of the Swedish flag.'

The Duchess meeting guests.

William and Victoria chatting with guests.

During his speech, Prince William said: "Tonight is a celebration of energy, creativity, innovation and engagement in the world - all words we associate with both Britain and Sweden. Above all, tonight is a celebration of friendship. Sk�l!"

William's full speech:

'In the past two days, Catherine and I have also explored some of the many scientific partnerships between the UK and Sweden that make our lives longer, healthier and more productive.  It was a privilege to learn more about how the legacy of Alfred Nobel is used to celebrate the very best of humanity in science and the arts.  Our visit to the Karolinska Institute was a particular highlight � a world-class centre of learning, which has developed extraordinary insight into the science underpinning our mental health.

We have learned about the extraordinary contribution Swedish design and fashion has made to the world.  I am very pleased we were able to launch a programme that links young architects and designers from our two countries to develop creative ideas for affordable, sustainable, safe housing.

Tomorrow, we are looking forward to meeting representatives of Sweden�s armed forces.  There is a Swedish saying that I won't attempt to say in Swedish but which translates in English something like, "It matters to you, too, when a neighbour's wall is on fire."  Your security concerns are ours, and it is hugely important that we continue to work ever more closely together to reduce threats.
Great things happen when we work together. Indeed this very special place where we are this evening will bring a great new addition to the London arts scene when it opens a sister museum there later this year. 

We have encountered a wonderfully warm welcome.  We are particularly grateful for the hospitality of Their Majesties The King and Queen, and of Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel.  We have been very fortunate to have spent much of the past two days in their welcoming company, including at their home in Haga.  Thank you for making us feel so welcome.  We very much hope we will have the opportunity to repay your generosity in the United Kingdom soon.

Tonight is a celebration of energy, creativity, innovation and engagement in the world � all words we associate with both Britain and Sweden.  Above all, tonight is a celebration of friendship.  Thank you, all, for joining us.'

For the second night in a row, the Duchess selected a dress by Erdem. I'm predicting it's going to be more popular than last night's choice :)

Kate wore the Christina Devore Velvet Midi Dress (with thanks to the talented HeavenQRF for her lightning fast ID). The 'petrol blue' dress features a mock neckline, long sleeves with flared cuffs, banded waist, A-line silhouette, flounced hem and nude silk crepe de chine lining.

Erdem

Browns Fashion described the dress:

'This blue Erdem 'Christina' silk and velvet dress is giving us all the Victorian feels � but apart from corsets and crinolines to portray your affluent stature, it's our friend Mr Moralioglu's luxury design and fabrics that suggest you live a high-flying lifestyle. Each style has been crafted in the UK from a mid-weight cotton-blend velvet-devor� fabric and boasts a floral print design and features a high neck, long sleeves with flared cuffs, fluted waistline with fitted bodice, fluted godet hemline inserts and a centre-back concealed zip and two button fastening.'

The Christina is from the AW17 Collection.

A closer look at the floral print.

The Duchess wore a black coat by well-known Swedish designer Ida Sj�stedt. Ida graduated from London�s University of Westminster in the year 2000, and set up her own label in Stockholm the following year. Since then she has become one of Sweden�s most popular designers, combining ready to wear collections with couture dresses. The Swedish royal ladies adore her designs and are regularly photographed wearing them. Yesterday, Victoria wore a floral print dress and coat by the designer. Middleton Maven noted it appears Kate's coat is from the A/W 2018 Collection.

Kate accessorised the coat with her Troy London faux fur collar and faux fur cuffs from yesterday.

Kate wore her Gianvito Rossi Ankle Strap Suede D'orsay Pumps. The pumps are described: "These Gianvito Rossi pumps demonstrate traditional Italian craftsmanship and designs in a d�Orsay silhouette. Softly structured from black suede,  pointed-toe pair is finished with a buckle ankle strap for a slender sculpt."

Gianvito Rossi

Madhu identified Kate's new earrings as the Robinson Pelham Aspen earrings from the Oxygen collection. The �4,000 earrings are set with white diamonds in 18ct gold.

Robinson Pelham

A closer look at the earrings on Kate.

Tomorrow the tour moves to Norway. A look at the itinerary:

Thursday, 1 February, Oslo -

• William and Kate will depart Sweden for Norway from Uppsala Airbase. Prior to their departure, The Duke and Duchess will receive a short briefing on the Swedish Armed Forces' operational capabilities, before viewing some of the Gripen aircraft of the type deployed by Sweden as its commitment to the Joint Expeditionary Force.
• The Duke and Duchess will land in Norway at Oslo Gardermoen Airport in the late morning, where they will be met by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit. From there, Their Royal Highnesses will travel directly to the Royal Palace, where The Duke and Duchess will stay at the invitation of King Harald and Queen Sonja.
• On arrival at the Royal Palace, The Duke and Duchess will be officially welcomed to Norway by The King and Queen by way of a luncheon, which will also be attended by other members of The Royal Family. Following this, The Cambridges will visit the Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park within the Palace Gardens, which opened last year in the name of Princess Ingrid Alexandra to mark the 25th anniversary of The King's reign. The sculptures, of which there are now four, are designed by and for children, through cartoon competitions in schools across the country. During this visit, The Duke and Duchess will have the opportunity to meet members of the public gathered in the park.
• Later that afternoon, The Duke and Duchess, accompanied by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, will attend an event held at MESH, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and start-up companies to grow their businesses and thrive in a creative environment. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation are high priorities for Norway and the UK, with plenty of exciting collaboration across the North Sea. Their Royal Highnesses will meet a number of Norwegian and UK companies based at MESH showcasing their work, and will see how some start-ups are tackling issues such as the environment, and mental health and wellbeing, in new and engaging ways.
• That evening, The Duke and Duchess have been invited by Their Majesties to an official dinner in their honour at the Royal Palace. The dinner will be attended by members of government, leaders in business and those from the Norwegian creative industries. There will also be serving members and veterans from the Norwegian Armed Forces, who will be introduced to Their Royal Highnesses. Both King Harald and The Duke will speak at the dinner.

Earlier today William and Kate carried out several engagements in Stockholm before joining Victoria, Daniel and their children for tea at Haga Palace. Click here to view the post!

Did you enjoy William and Kate's two-day visit to Sweden? What were the highlights for you?