Catherine, Princess of Wales, is well known for her sentimental jewellery choices. Perhaps it's unavoidable with the Royal vault housing tiaras and jewels with a long history, passed down through the generations. But the Princess – or, to refer to her as she's better known by the British public, Kate Middleton – often opts for pieces favoured by the Royal women closest to her. Specifically, Queen Elizabeth II, whose relationship with Kate was well documented before her death in 2022, and Princess Diana.
It was these two women who were again recognised in Kate's choice of attire at the State Banquet last night [Wednesday 17 September], hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle in honour of the state visit by the President of the United States of America. For the occasion, Kate donned a floor-length, simple ivory gown featuring a sparkling gold-lace overlay with an elegant high-neck collar, long sleeves and subtle padded shoulders. Designed by Phillipa Lepley, the ensemble was truly Princess-worthy and wasn't worlds apart from Kate's iconic wedding dress.
Added regality came by way of the Lover's Knot tiara, perched upon Kate's recently blonde tresses that were styled down in loose waves for the evening. Created in 1914 for Queen Elizabeth II's grandmother, Queen Mary, the tiara is encrusted with pearls and diamonds and was a favourite of Princess Diana's.
As for her other accessories, the earrings Kate wore also came from the royal jewel vault. The large teardrop diamond earrings previously belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, worn by the late monarch to the State Opening of Parliament in 2012. They were first debuted by Kate at a public engagement in 2016, since becoming a favourite style in her jewellery rotation. Anya Hindmarch's ‘Maud’ pearl-encrusted clutch bag and gold Aquazzura pumps completed her attire.
Kate's sweet tribute to Diana at the State Banquet follows another nod to her late mother-in-law earlier in the day. Greeting the President and First Lady upon their arrival in the country alongside Prince William, Kate looked perfectly polished in an Emilia Wickstead burgundy coat dress. She accessorised with a coordinating net-veiled hat by London-based label Jane Taylor and clutched a vintage Chanel top-handle bag, with dark brown Gianvito Rossi pumps on her feet.
Adorned on the left breast of her coat dress was a sparkling diamond brooch bearing the coat of arms of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The pin dates all the way back to 1863 when it was made for Princess Alexandra of Denmark for her wedding to King Edward VII, who was the Prince of Wales at the time, and usually features a removable teardrop emerald that hangs from the bottom. It has been handed down to the following Princesses of Wales, including Princess Diana, who wore the brooch during her marriage to the now King Charles, and Queen Camilla.
Further significance comes from the fact that the brooch is representative of Catherine's title, making it appropriately poignant to wear for her first meeting with the US President and First Lady as the Princess of Wales. This also marks the third time she has worn the pin since receiving her latest title.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
