The Princess of Wales made a breathtaking and historically significant fashion statement at a glittering state banquet held at Windsor Castle last night. For the white-tie dinner, the highlight of the German president's state visit, Kate chose to break with her usual style, opting for a tiara not seen in public for nearly two decades.
A Dazzling Departure from Tradition
Princess Catherine captivated royal watchers as she arrived at the star-studded event alongside Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla. She wore a stunning floor-length gown in a shimmering purple-blue hue, designed by the British favourite Jenny Packham. The dress featured an asymmetric neckline and elegant cape shoulder detail, perfectly complementing her show-stopping accessory.
In a major departure from her go-to piece, Kate forewent her beloved Lover's Knot Tiara. Instead, she debuted the magnificent Oriental Circlet Tiara, also known as the Indian Tiara, a piece steeped in royal history. This marked the first time she has ever worn this particular diadem at an official engagement.
The History Behind the Heirloom
The tiara's story is as fascinating as its appearance. It was originally commissioned in 1853 by Prince Albert for his wife, Queen Victoria. Prince Albert, who was German-born, had the piece made as an opal crown, reportedly inspired by a tiara gifted to the monarch by the East India Company.
Later, Queen Alexandra replaced the opals with rubies, as opals were considered unlucky. The tiara, which features 2,600 diamonds from Garrard forming lotus flowers and arches, became an 'heirloom of the Crown' upon Victoria's death in 1901. It was a favourite of the Queen Mother and had only been worn publicly once in recent history—by the late Queen Elizabeth II during a trip to Malta in 2005.
For last night's event, Kate paired the historic tiara with the late Queen's earrings, the Royal Family Order, and the GCVO Sash and Star.
A Year of Banquets and Diplomacy
This glittering evening marked the third state banquet Princess Kate has attended in 2025. She first joined the Royal Family in July for the French state banquet honouring President Emmanuel Macron, wearing the Lover's Knot tiara. In September, she attended the banquet for US President Donald Trump in a hand-embroidered gold lace coat.
The banquet was the centrepiece of a historic state visit from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender. The Prince and Princess of Wales officially welcomed the couple to the UK at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday morning on behalf of the King. This visit is notably the first by a German president in 27 years and only the fifth from Germany since 1958.
Prince William complemented his wife's dazzling look, appearing suave in white tie and the Windsor tail coat, adorned with the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash. The event underscored the ongoing diplomatic role of the modern monarchy, with Kate's thoughtful fashion choices paying subtle homage to the historic Anglo-German connections embodied in her stunning new tiara.
