Kate Middleton made a stunning appearance at the state banquet for President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, held at Windsor Castle. The Princess of Wales, 43, joined other members of the British royal family on the evening of September 17 to honor the American dignitaries during their state visit to the U.K.
Photos shared on social media provided a glimpse of the royal couple’s polished looks before the event. The post, featuring an image taken by photographer Matt Porteous, was captioned, “Ready for The State Banquet.” For the occasion, Kate opted for a luxurious couture gown designed by British designer Phillipa Lepley, complete with a full-length, hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat over a silk crepe gown.
A signature element of her ensemble was Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, her favored royal headpiece. The tiara has been a staple in Kate’s royal appearances, having been worn at various state banquets, diplomatic receptions, and royal weddings since her wedding to Prince William in 2011. In total, Kate has donned four different tiaras throughout her time in the royal spotlight, with the Lover’s Knot Tiara being the most frequently worn.
To complement her regal appearance, Princess Kate adorned herself with earrings that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth. She also showcased the Royal Family Order of King Charles III and the Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, along with the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order star and sash, further emphasizing her royal stature.
This banquet was part of a formal itinerary that began earlier in the day when Prince William and Kate welcomed the Trumps at Windsor. The royal couple greeted their guests before King Charles and Queen Camilla officially welcomed the American visitors. The day included a horse-drawn carriage ride to Windsor Castle, followed by lunch and a special exhibition featuring items from the Royal Collection.
Kate’s appearance at the state banquet marked a return to public life after a period of absence while she underwent cancer treatment. She has recently announced her remission, and her last tiara appearance was during the state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, in July.
Looking ahead, Princess Kate is scheduled to participate in a joint engagement with Melania Trump at Frogmore Gardens, where they will spend time with Scouts working towards their “Go Wild” badge. The royal duties not only highlight the ongoing diplomatic relations between the two nations but also showcase the Princess’s commitment to community engagement and her enduring role within the royal family.
