GLITTERING SUCCESS

The Princess of Wales is the epitome of glamour as the royal family hosts a state banquet for the President of Germany

- TRACY SCHAVERIEN

The Prince and Princess of Wales were the very definition of regal glamour as they stole the show at a glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle.

Kate made a showstopping entrance as she and Prince William joined the King, the Queen and other members of the royal family for the star-studded event.

The Princess dazzled in a sparkling sequinned floor-length gown by Jenny Packham, featuring an asymmetrical neckline and cape sleeves. She also wore the Royal Family Order, the Sash and Star of the Royal Victorian Order and a pair of diamond drop earrings that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.

However, her most stunning accessory was Queen Victoria's rarely seen Oriental Circlet Tiara, last worn by Elizabeth 20 years ago. Commissioned by Prince Albert for his wife in 1853, it is one of the oldest pieces to have been created by Garrard, the royal jeweller.

It features an Indian-inspired lotus flower and Mughal arch design, as well as 2,600 diamonds. Albert's original opals were later replaced with rubies by Queen Alexandra.

The piece was no doubt chosen in honour of the King's guests, Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender, who were visiting the UK for a three-day state visit aimed at celebrating and strengthening Anglo-German relations. Prince Albert was German and hailed from the royal house of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

BUILDING BONDS

“These glittering evenings have become Kate's signature arena: not because she seeks the spotlight, but because she grasps what they truly are – diplomatic chess matches, where every gesture builds bridges between nations,” the royal author Robert Jobson tells HELLO!.