Camilla dazzles at her 60th - with the Queen's diamonds

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It was a dazzling way to show that her long-running frostiness to her new daughter-in-law has thawed.

To help the Duchess of Cornwall celebrate her 60th birthday, the Queen lent her a stunning diamond necklace that once belonged to the Queen Mother.

Although the Queen did not go to Saturday night's Highgrove party herself - her presence would have turned a 'low-key' private occasion into something more formal - the fact that she loaned Camilla her mother's jewellery is a clear sign of the warmth between the women.

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Sparkling: Camilla, in the necklace loaned by the Queen, with Charles on Saturday

Girl's best friend: Camilla's necklace sparkles

Experts said it would be impossible to put a price on the necklace because of its provenance. It was one of three the Queen Mother owned and was a present from her mother-in-law, Queen Mary.

Queen Mary had been given it by her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Teck, at her wedding to Prince George in July 1893.

According to guests at the party, Camilla looked radiant in the necklace.

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Zara Phillips and her rugby-playing boyfriend, Mike Tindall

Princess Anne arrives with husband Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence

But even the Queen's magnificent jewels could not detract from the real belle of the ball,

Kate Middleton. Wearing a stunning full-length cream dress, the 25-year-old fashion buyer's presence at the party was the strongest signal yet that she has rekindled her four-year relationship with Prince William.

Guests said the brunette - who had been smuggled into the Gloucestershire mansion to avoid the attention of photographers - was 'draped over' William for much of the evening.

The pair split up in April, saying they had grown apart, but in recent weeks have spent an increasing amount of time together.

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Blast from the past: Camilla's former husband Andrew Parker Bowles arrives with his wife Rosemary

According to friends, they are reluctant to 'come out' as a couple again for fear of provoking speculation about an engagement. But Miss Middleton's presence at William's side at such a high-profile royal event was tantamount to making a declaration on the gates of Buckingham Palace that the two are an item once again.

Camilla was said to be particularly happy to see her because the two have always got on well. Indeed, according to friends, she has rather seen it as her role to take Kate under her wing.

Other guests included the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Zara

Phillips and her boyfriend Mike Tindall, Sir David Frost, Timothy West and his wife Prunella Scales, and Edward Fox.

Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, was there with his wife Rosemary, and Camilla and Andrew's children Tom and Laura.

The one notable absentee was Prince Harry, who has had a difficult relationship with Camilla, although in recent years he has said he has come to 'love her to bits'.

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Guest: TV presenter Sir David Frost arrives at the party

He is holidaying with his girlfriend Chelsy Davy in Africa while Army chiefs make a decision on his future after barring him from serving in Iraq.

Party guests were served a three- course organic meal before dancing to a band.

According to one, Camilla, who was dressed in a white Anna Valentine evening grown, looked 'utterly radiant'. 'She said it was the happiest day since her wedding.'

Another friend said: 'Charles gave her a beautiful eternity ring that she showed off to everyone. He looked absolutely chuffed to be able to throw her such a fabulous party as his wife at long last.'

 

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