Kate Middleton was gilded in gold, wearing a bespoke long-sleeve gown by Phillipa Lepley, at the state banquet on Wednesday night at Windsor Castle in Windsor, England, during U.S. President Donald Trump’s and First Lady Melania Trump’s visit to the U.K.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
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The Princess of Wales, accompanied by husband Prince William, wore a long-sleeve, hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace overlay over an ivory silk crepe gown. Middleton’s sentimental jewelry pieces, however, were the standout elements of the British royal’s look. Among them, the Princess of Wales wore Queen Elizabeth II‘s diamond orbital pendant earrings.
“Each piece features brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a floral and orbital motif, with a larger central stone anchoring the base of each pendant — a design that evokes both eternal elegance and the enduring legacy of the monarchy,” Zack Stone, a diamond expert at U.K. retailer Steven Stone, told WWD of the earrings via email.
“The floral pattern symbolizes grace and renewal, while the orbit-like arrangement suggests unity, continuity and the far-reaching influence of the crown. Perfectly suited for grand state occasions, lavish banquets and ceremonial events, these earrings allow Kate to pair them effortlessly with tiaras and other treasured heirlooms.”
Kate Middleton
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Along with the earrings, Middleton also wore the Lover’s Knot tiara, one of Princess Diana’s favorite pieces during her time as a working member of the British royal family. “Commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913 and modelled on a tiara owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, it is instantly identifiable for its diamond arches topped with swinging pearls,” Nilesh Rakholia, jewellery expert and founder of fine jewellers Abelini, told WWD via email.
“Crafted by Garrard & Co., the diamonds and lustrous pearls catch the light in a way that feels both timeless and cinematic. The piece later became one of Princess Diana’s most iconic jewels, giving it an emotional weight that will always resonate with the public,” Rakholia said. “For the Princess of Wales, wearing it carries multiple layers of meaning. The Lover’s Knot has become her signature tiara, blending continuity with a subtle tribute to Diana while signalling her own growing role as the future queen. Pearls, central to its design, have long symbolised wisdom and enduring love — qualities that sit comfortably with Catherine’s public image. On a high-profile occasion like last night’s state banquet, wearing the tiara subtly signals her confidence in carrying royal history forward, while shaping her own public identity.”
Kate Middleton and Melania Trump.
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Following the state banquet, the Princess of Wales was joined by Melania Trump for a meeting with members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme in Frogmore Gardens in Windsor. Middleton opted for earth tones for the outing, wearing shades of green and brown in anticipation of the fall season.
The Princess of Wales’ attire was comprised of British label Me and Em’s dark green suede cropped military jacket, along with a knitted vest from the brand. She also spotlighted an American designer with her look, wearing a Ralph Lauren tweed skirt in a shade of chocolate brown.
References to American designers continued with the Polo Ralph Lauren leather belt. She completed her attire with Gianvito Rossi boots and a scarf from Sudbury Silk Mills Shop in Sufflok, which she visited on Sept. 11.