Why Kate Middleton’s Tiara Choice for the Trump Banquet Was So Significant
Last night, Windsor Castle was the setting for a moment of sartorial royalty, as Catherine, Princess of Wales, captivated onlookers in a breathtaking couture gown for the state banquet honouring President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
In a masterful blend of modern elegance and historical tribute, the Princess chose a bespoke, cream-coloured lace gown by renowned British designer Phillipa Lepley. The couture piece, perfectly aligned with her recent advocacy for British fashion, featured intricate detailing and a timeless silhouette that was both regal and romantic.
The choice of designer is a significant one. Phillipa Lepley is celebrated for her exquisite bridal and occasion wear, making her a fitting selection for an event of such diplomatic importance. The cream lace gown subtly echoed the Princess’s own wedding dress style, creating a powerful, yet understated, statement of national pride on the global stage.
A Tiara Steeped in History: The Cambridge Lover’s Knot
No state banquet ensemble is complete without iconic jewellery, and the Princess did not disappoint. She elevated the look with the dazzling Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, a piece deeply woven into the fabric of royal history.
This particular tiara is a well-documented favourite of Kate Middleton, and its selection last night was rich with meaning. It was a poignant nod to the late Princess Diana, for whom the tiara was also a beloved accessory. Originally created for Queen Mary in 1914 by the crown jewellers Garrard, the tiara was lent to Diana, Princess of Wales, on her wedding day. By choosing it, Kate continues a legacy of elegance, connecting the past and present of the monarchy in a glittering, pearl-laden symbol.
The Princess’s Strategic Style
State visits have consistently served as a canvas for the Princess of Wales to wield fashion as a tool of soft diplomacy. Her choices are rarely accidental; they are carefully curated messages.
Earlier this summer, when hosting French President Emmanuel Macron, she chose a dramatic dark red gown by Givenchy—a nod to the colour of the French Legion of Honour and a symbol of the cross-Channel alliance. Last night’s choice of a leading British designer for an American state visit was a equally potent message, showcasing the best of UK craftsmanship and design to the world.
A Glimpse into a Royal September
The state banquet caps off an exceptionally busy and stylish month for the Princess. From debuting a lighter, summer-ready blonde hairstyle during a visit to the Natural History Museum to paying a sweet sartorial tribute to Prince William in a chic checked suit at a Kent textile mill, her public appearances have been a masterclass in modern royal dressing.
The action-packed state visit continues today, September 18. The Princess of Wales and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled for a joint engagement at the serene Frogmore Gardens, where they will learn about nature-based projects—a cause deeply important to Kate. The Trumps are set to depart the UK later today, concluding this significant diplomatic chapter.
For now, the image of the Princess in her cream lace gown and historic tiara under the lights of Windsor Castle remains a defining fashion moment of the year—a perfect fusion of personal style, royal duty, and diplomatic grace.
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Images: Supplied & Featured Image: Instagram
