Princess Catherine sported one of the late Queen Elizabeth II's favourite colours on what would have been her 100th birthday today. The 44-year-old was one of the working royals who stepped to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the late Queen's birth.

Catherine stunned royal fans as she opted to wear a gorgeous shade of purple at the special reception in London for Queen Elizabeth's centenary. Taking to X, fans expressed how "lovely" the future Queen looked in lilac. One fan wrote: "I adore this shade on her [pink-heart emoji]."

Another added: "Wow beautiful colour [red-heart emoji]."

A third added: "Such a beautiful color on HRH... [red-heart emoji]."

In agreement with fellow fans, another added: "She looks beautiful and that colour makes her shine!"

The royal also accessorised with a pair of Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings that Queen Elizabeth II had made before she ascended to the throne.

Catherine was joined at the reception by Prince William - although their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, were not in attendance.

As well as the royals, guests at the reception included representatives from a selection of Elizabeth II's patronages, including Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross Society, Jockey Club, Royal Kennel Club and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Prior to the reception, the King and Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were at the British Museum to see the final models of the national memorial to Elizabeth II.

The Princess of Wales shared a poignant moment with former Met Police officer Tony Gledhill, a trustee of the VC and GC association, who clutched Kate in comfort after telling her his wife of 67 years had recently died.

Mr Gledhill, a George Cross recipient, received words of support from William, Kate and Charles and said afterwards:" The princess was lovely, she was fantastic."

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral home aged 96 on September 8 2022 after serving as sovereign for 70 years and was mourned by her family and friends, and remembered by the nation.

For the woman who was never meant to be sovereign, the late Queen fulfilled her pledge to serve nation and Commonwealth, and came to earn the respect of many - from world leaders to the public.