The evening at Windsor Castle on Wednesday was a sparkling display of royal tradition, glamour, and diplomacy, with the Princess of Wales stealing the show.
Kate, 43, stepped into the spotlight wearing the iconic Lovers’ Knot tiara as she joined Prince William, 43, President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and other distinguished guests for a glittering state banquet.
A Showstopping Ensemble
Kate looked every bit the future queen in a structured Phillipa Lepley silk crepe gown layered beneath a hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat, paired with a matching clutch.
She also wore the late Queen Elizabeth II’s and the King’s Royal Family Order, topped with a blue sash signifying her status as a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
Her chocolate brown hair fell in soft waves beneath the tiara, a firm favorite she has worn at ten of her fifteen tiara appearances.
The History Behind the Lovers’ Knot Tiara
The Lovers’ Knot tiara, created in 1914 by the House of Garrard for Queen Mary, has a storied past.
Princess Diana adored it, and Kate has carried on the tradition, wearing it to several state banquets, including President Trump’s first UK visit in 2019.
The tiara’s legacy is not just in its design but in its symbolism, connecting the royal family across generations.
Queen Camilla’s Elegant Choice
Queen Camilla complemented the royal display with the Belgian sapphire tiara, a dazzling diamond bandeau dating back to 1932.
She paired it with a royal blue silk marocain embroidered gown by Fiona Clare and wore the King’s Family Order.
The tiara, with its historical ties to both Queen Elizabeth and King George VI, added a regal touch to Camilla’s ensemble.
King Charles Welcomes the Trumps
In a warm and witty speech, King Charles welcomed the US delegation, highlighting the “unparalleled partnership” between the UK and US.
He humorously referenced historical attempts to strengthen ties, including President Nixon’s supposed plans to marry him off to his daughter in the 1970s, before emphasizing the deep and enduring bonds shared across nations.
President Trump’s Remarks
Trump, visibly delighted, joked about hoping to be the only US president with two state visits and praised the royal family.
He lauded Prince William’s future potential and praised Princess Kate’s radiant beauty.
He also recognized the UK’s “lion-hearted people” and Charles’ dedication to wounded veterans, drawing laughter and applause from the room.
A Star-Studded Guest List
The banquet drew an eclectic mix of dignitaries and executives, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.
Kate and the Princess of Wales held court in the center, while Trump sat between King Charles and Kate, enjoying a mix of diplomatic discussion and conviviality.
Culinary and Musical Highlights
The menu featured Hampshire watercress panna cotta, organic Norfolk chicken ballotine, and a vanilla ice bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet, personally inspected by the King and Queen.
Thoughtful touches included a vintage port from 1945 and a 1912 cognac in honor of Trump’s mother.
Music ranged from a James Bond medley to Elton John’s Tiny Dancer, alongside classical favorites and Scottish dances to honor the President’s family heritage.
A Banquet of Spectacle and Tradition
The Great Hall was transformed into a visual feast with a 42.32-meter-long table, 139 candles, 1,452 pieces of hand-polished cutlery, and seating for 160 guests.
Seasonal floral arrangements, picked from local estates, added vibrant touches to the stately setting.
Every detail, from music to menu, underscored the blend of history, elegance, and ceremonial splendor that defined the evening.