The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, became one of the central figures at the state banquet held at Windsor Castle. For the festive appearance, she chose a striking yellow dress from the Lebanese fashion house Elie Saab, complementing the outfit with jewelry from the royal collection. The princess's look once again confirmed her reputation as one of the most detail-oriented stylists of the British monarchy, where every accessory has its own history and protocol significance.
Yellow Elie Saab Gown and Capelet
The dress featured an elegant silhouette with a floor-length skirt, meeting the strict evening dress code expectations for state events. A capelet gently draping the princess's shoulders added a special charm to the outfit, emphasizing the formal nature of the appearance. Such wardrobe choices by Kate Middleton traditionally combine modern haute couture with classic lines, allowing her to look contemporary without departing from protocol.
The Lover's Knot Tiara and Royal Collection Jewelry
The main accent of the evening look was the Lover's Knot tiara, previously owned by Princess Diana. This piece holds a special place among royal jewels and is one of the most famous headpieces in Kate's collection: the Princess of Wales first wore it in 2015 and has since repeatedly chosen the tiara for state banquets and other official events. According to specialized publications, the heirloom has a longer history: Queen Mary of Teck was its first owner, and in 1981 the piece passed to Princess Diana, who called it her favorite headpiece.
The look also included official insignia of the British monarchy: the dress featured the Royal Family Order of King Charles with his portrait, as well as the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order. The jewelry part of the look was complemented by earrings and a bracelet that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the princess held a sparkling evening clutch that harmonized with the luxurious attire.
Prince William's Classic Tailcoat
For the formal state banquet, the Prince of Wales, William, chose a restrained classic look: a black tailcoat with a white shirt and a white bow tie, adhering to the traditional dress code. The restraint of the outfit was complemented by official insignia emphasizing his status within the British royal family. The contrast between his wife's vibrant couture gown and the prince's strict tailcoat became a hallmark of their joint official appearances.
Why the Banquet Was Held in Windsor Rather Than Buckingham
The state banquet took place in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. This location has recently become a venue for a series of festive events involving foreign leaders and members of royal families. State banquets in the UK are usually hosted at Buckingham Palace in London, but the residence is currently undergoing large-scale renovation, so some official events were relocated to Windsor Castle. Thus, the choice of venue was dictated not by a protocol innovation, but by the practical necessity associated with the restoration of the monarch's main residence.
