The Princess of Wales demonstrated her unparalleled command of royal eveningwear last night, cementing her status as the monarchy's foremost figure in the art of state banquet dressing. Catherine, 43, captivated onlookers in a stunning pale blue Jenny Packham gown as she joined the Royal Family in welcoming the German president and his wife for their first state visit to Britain in nearly thirty years.
A Decade of Sartorial Refinement
Royal enthusiasts were particularly delighted to see the future Queen wearing the magnificent Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet tiara, a piece rarely seen in public. Its selection was deeply symbolic, marking not just another glittering appearance but the culmination of a ten-year evolution in Catherine's approach to these high-stakes diplomatic events. Celebrity stylist Clare Chambers told the Daily Mail that last night's appearance proved the Princess is now the 'unrivalled architect of modern couture diplomacy'.
This assured presentation is a world away from her first state banquet in October 2015, when the late Queen hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping. On that occasion, a younger Catherine wore a vibrant scarlet Jenny Packham gown with cap sleeves and the delicate Lotus Flower tiara. Her style then was sweeter and more romantic, reflecting her early years within the institution after marrying Prince William.
Key Moments in a Style Journey
Her style narrative at these events tells a story of growing confidence and a deepening understanding of her role. In July 2017, for the Spanish state visit, the then-Duchess of Cambridge chose a blush pink Marchesa lace gown with a daring plunging neckline, accessorised with the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara and a striking Boucheron necklace. Experts note this was a surprisingly revealing choice, a 'frothy and unabashedly Hollywood' look from a royal still finding her footing.
As her responsibilities expanded, so did the modesty of her necklines. By the time she welcomed King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in 2018, she opted for a high-necked, pale blue Alexander McQueen gown. This shift, according to Chambers, 'symbolised a woman stepping firmly into queenship, embracing the gravitas of her role'.
Not every look was deemed a triumph. Her ruffled white McQueen gown for President Donald Trump's 2019 visit was criticised for giving a 'Disney princess feel' rather than the polished elegance she now embodies. However, this was part of the learning curve.
The Forging of a Signature Silhouette
Since becoming Princess of Wales in 2022, her state banquet style has undergone a deliberate and confident refinement. For the first state visit of King Charles's reign in November 2022, she wore a cascading white Jenny Packham gown with embellished shoulders. The look signalled a new era and her prominent place within it.
Cape sleeves have emerged as her sartorial superpower. Fans on social media were quick to praise last night's look, with one declaring she is 'single-handedly bringing back the cape'. Stylist Clare Chambers explains that this style plays to Catherine's strengths: 'A long-fitted sleeve could easily drown or age her, and a voluminous sleeve would swallow her frame, so this is the perfect combination.' It offers a modern, regal presence that respects tradition while feeling fresh.
This signature was briefly interrupted in 2023 for the Korean state banquet, where she experimented with opera gloves and the Strathmore Rose Tiara—a look some considered overly theatrical. She swiftly returned to her favoured cape sleeves, which have now become a cornerstone of her banquet identity.
Last night's appearance was the perfected formula: a flawless Jenny Packham gown, a historically significant tiara, and those now-iconic cape sleeves. It represented not a repetition, but a serene and ceremonial refinement. The Princess of Wales has mastered the visual language of royal diplomacy, balancing glamour with tradition, and in doing so, has crafted a style legacy fit for a future Queen.
