Kate Middleton pulls out all the stops in dazzling tiara at star-studded state banquet

The Princess of Wales joined the King and Queen as well as Prince William and a whole host of star-studded guests at tonight’s glitzy state banquet at Windsor Castle as part of the French state visit to the UK

The Princess of Wales dazzled in a glittering tiara tonight as she attended her first state banquet in almost two years with a whole host of famous faces. Kate wore the Lover’s Knot tiara and red gown with caped back detailing by Sarah Burton for Givenchy as she joined the King, Queen, her husband Prince William and some 160 guests at Windsor Castle for the white tie dinner, which is the glitzy highlight of the French state visit.

French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte are being honoured with the opulent display of royal hospitality in the historic St George’s Hall. Kate, who was diagnoised with cancer in early 2024 and revealed earlier this year she is now in remission, last attended a state banquet in November 2023, when the Royal Family honoured the South Korean president at Buckingham Palace.

Just last week, she talked about her ‘rollercoaster’ cancer recovery, its life-changing impact, and putting on a “brave face” during a visit to Colchester Hospital. Kensington Palace only confirmed she would be attending tonight’s glamorous dinner after she carried out royal duties to mark the start of the state visit earlier in the day.

Before the event, William and Kate gave a sneak peek of their outfits by posting a photo of themselves on social media with the caption: “Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor.” Kate also wore her Royal Family order from King Charles for the first time and brought a lily of the valley embroided evening clutch.

Other royals joining the dinner tonight were the Edward and Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh as well as Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Queen Camilla wore an ivory silk and crepe evening gown by Fiona Clare and a diamond and sapphire tiara that belonged to the late Queen. She also wore the Legion d’Honeur French sash, Garter Star and the King’s family order.

Meanwhile, the King turned to his friend and King’s Foundation ambassador, French chef Raymond Blanc, to put together the menu in culinary collaboration with the Royal Household, designing the first course and the dessert. Blanc was in the kitchens at Windsor on Tuesday evening making sure the dishes were served to perfection

The menu, which was written in French as is the custom for state banquets, begins with a selection of tender summer vegetables from the Gardens of Le Manoir with Sage, Raw Tomato and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing.

The next course was Supreme of Rhug Estate Chicken with Norfolk Asparagus and Tarragon Cream, followed by Iced Blackcurrant Parfait on a Blackcurrant-soaked Sponge with Elderflower Jelly for dessert. Buckingham Palace described the collaboration as being “in the spirit of the Entente Cordial”.

In a tradition started by the King, a cocktail was also created specially for the occasion, this time called L’entente. It combines British gin with lemon curd and French pastis, garnished with dried French cornflowers and English roses.

There was a selection of French wines as well as Taylor’s 1977 Vintage Port at a 1948 Grand Champagne Cognac, chosen to reflect the years both Mr Macron and the King were born.

Flowers adorning the tables have been picked from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park. After the banquet they will be delivered to hospices and care homes for the elderly. Meanwhile following the banquet, guests will move to the Windsor Castle Music Room for a special performance by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

The dinner marks the end of a busy day for the Prince and Princess of Wales who were on hand to greet Mr and Mrs Macron at RAF Northolt this morning as they touched down in the UK.

The princess has already channelled diplomatic royal dressing in honour of the King’s guests, choosing to wear French fashion house Christian Dior for her daytime engagements. Her earrings belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales and the pearl necklace was from the late Queen’s collection.

The blush pink Christian Dior jacket is the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket and a piece from the 2024 collection, and was paired with a tulle skirt. It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original first created in 1947 by Dior himself. Kate’s sleek hat was by Jess Collett.

The princess was charmed with a kiss to the hand by Mr Macron as she and William met the French leader as he disembarked from his plane at RAF Northolt. Mr Macron took the princess’s hand and leaned forward to deliver an air kiss towards it. Meanwhile, the President warmly shook the prince’s hand and held onto his arm as they chatted.

State banquets have moved from the Buckingham Palace ballroom to Windsor for the next few years while reservicing work at the London royal residence continues and starts to affect the state rooms.

Kate has attended a handful of engagements in recent months including Trooping the Colour, the annual Order of the Garter service and a visit to a V&A storage facility in London. But she missed Royal Ascot in June after seeking to find the right balance to public appearances following her cancer treatment.