KATE'S STAR TURN

Back on the world stage, the Princess of Wales cements her role as Britain's most glamorous ambassador

- EMILY NASH

After sparking concern with her absence from Royal Ascot, the Princess of Wales made a sensational comeback as she and Prince William joined King Charles and Queen Camilla in hosting a glittering state banquet.

Poised and polished, Kate, 43, helped entertain French president Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, at Windsor Castle. It marked her first such occasion since Nov. 2023, which preceded her admission to the hospital for major abdominal surgery.

DIPLOMATIC CHARM

Kate’s high-profile return to the world stage is “huge,” says royal author Robert Jobson. “Her presence at these events gives them a vibrancy and an energy.”

President Macron, 47 - who was spotted winking at Kate after they were seated together at the white-tie banquet clearly agreed. “The interaction between her and Macron sort of says it all, doesn’t it?” says Robert. “There’s a story there, there’s an interest.

“Her presence is really important, and it will be the same when President Trump visits in September.”

The princess displayed impeccable sartorial diplomacy by choosing a dark red silk creponne Givenchy evening gown with caped back detailing by Sarah Burton - the designer who created her wedding dress while still at Alexander McQueen.

Kate accessorized with a lily-of-the-valley embroidered evening clutch, earrings once owned by Princess Diana, a necklace from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection and the dazzling Lover’s Knot tiara.

Earlier in the day, she showcased another French fashion house, donning a dusky pink 30 Montaigne Rose des Vents jacket by Maria Grazia Chiuri for Christian Dior (inspired by one created in 1947 by the designer himself) to greet the president and first lady at RAF Northolt.