Kate Middleton stepped out during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on November 22 looking as glam as ever for her first tiara moment as The Princess of Wales. Seeing as this was a memorable affair, the Royal wore her hair in a star-studded elegant updo, which also features a very millennial twist (but more on that to follow).
The royal banquet was put together for the South African president's, Cyril Ramaphosa royal visit, who will be hosted by Charles and Queen Camilla Consort for a total of three days. This is also the first state visit hosted by the UK with King Charles III as monarch.
Context aside, the fashion and beauty looks were ones to note as everyone from Prince William to the Earl and Countess of Wessex were in attendance. But arguably, the person who stood out to us most was, of course, Kate herself.
To showcase the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, which was a wedding gift to Princess Diana, Kate swept her hair into a sleek low bun 'do, styled in with a sweeping side part – a nod to the iconic 00s trend.
The Princess topped off the beauty look with diamond and pearl drop earrings that also once belonged to her late mother-in-law and wore a blue sash as well as the Royal Family Order, made up of a portrait of the late Queen on a yellow ribbon.
In terms of fashion, Kate opted to wear a Jenny Packham white ball gown and coordinated the look with her accessories, wearing a matching Alexander McQueen clutch, pearl bracelet and Gianvito Rossi heels.
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I mean, what more is there to say other than she is beauty, she is grace!
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
