Prince William and Kate dazzle at Bahamas reception on last night of royal tour – best photos


With reporting by Emily Nash, who is on the ground with the Cambridges


kate william final night
Ainhoa Barcelona
Ainhoa BarcelonaRoyal Managing Editor
March 24, 2022
Kate Middleton stands by a car in a blue gown, holding a clutch, and smiling.© Photo: Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dazzled at a reception held in their honour on the last night of their jam-packed Caribbean royal tour. William and Kate were VIP guests at the event hosted by the Bahamas' Governor General at the Baha Mar Hotel in Nassau.

GALLERY: Best photos from William and Kate's first full day in the Bahamas - sailing, school visit and meeting frontline workers

Kate has been showing off her sartorial prowess throughout the eight-day tour and didn't disappoint on Friday night as she stepped out in the Phillipa Lepley Vienna Crossover satin dress with tie-detailing on the shoulders.

William, who gave a speech on the night to toast his grandmother the Queen and her Platinum Jubilee, also looked dapper in a suit that featured a royal blue velvet blazer.

See the best photos...

Kate Middleton stands by a car, wearing a light blue gown and holding a clutch.© Photo: Getty Images

Kate's dress is from the 2020 bridal collection and  is described as a "clean, gorgeous duchess satin dress" with a "timeless, feminine design".

It uses just "one piece of heavenly turquoise bias satin that has been moulded over the bodice in a cross-over design, flowing into Phillipa’s signature shoulder bows, creating a bodice and skirt with side seams only and an effortless look."

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, shakes hands with a woman in a silver gown.© Photo: Getty Images

William and Kate made their grand entrance at the luxury hotel, wowing onlookers and fellow guests as they arrived.

Kate Middleton in a silver dress, holding a silver clutch, smiling at the camera.© Photo: Getty Images

She wore her hair straight with an on-trend middle parting, and kept her accessories simple with a clutch bag that matched her dress, and Van Cleef matching drop necklace and earrings.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, adjusts his bow tie while standing by a car.© Photo: Getty Images

William fiddled with his bowtie before they walked into the reception where fanfare sounded and the national anthem of the Bahamas played.

Kate Middleton in a light blue gown and clutch, walking beside a man in a tuxedo.© Photo: Getty Images

Before going inside for the main event, William and Kate stopped briefly in the hotel's entryway for a presentation of Platinum Jubilee medals. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton walking on a red carpet, smiling and dressed formally.© Photo: Rex

Recipients of the Jubilee medals include Paul Rolle, Commissioner of the Police, Royal Bahamas Police Force; Commodore Raymond King, Royal Bahamian Defence Force; and Captain Stephen Russell, National Emergency Management Agency.

Prince William in a black tuxedo converses with a woman in an orange gown at an event.

The royals were greeted by the Governor General, Cornelius Alvin Smith, and the Prime Minister, Philip Davis and once inside had the opportunity to mingle with community leaders and other notable people from across the Bahamas' many islands.

A smiling woman in a silver dress and gold necklace with clover pendants.
The royals were also treated to a performance on the main stage by the Bahamas Youth Choir.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, stands beside a woman in a light blue gown, both smiling at an event.

William and Kate then met small groups of guests under the guidance of Ambassador Leslia Miller-Brice and Permanent Secretary to the Governor General, Jack Thompson.

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