The Prince and Princess of Wales hosted a reception in London (prior to meeting King Charles III and Queen Camilla) for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who are visiting the UK on a state visit.
By evening, a grand gala dinner in their honor offered the perfect occasion to see Kate Middleton in a full-length gown and tiara, a majestic look we hadn’t witnessed in three months.
A stylish morning reception:
Earlier in the day, Kate embraced an ‘80s-inspired look paying tribute to her guest of honor. She debuted a two-tone coat with a corset-style back by Nigerian-British designer Tolu Coker, paired with a matching Jane Taylor headpiece. By night, protocol called for a far more formal ensemble.
© PA ImagesKate’s elegant look:
For the state banquet, Kate Middleton debuted a striking green gown by Andrew GN, reflecting one of the colors of the Nigerian flag alongside white. The dress featured a high square neckline, sheer puffed sleeves, and a defined waist with a tonal sash. To amplify its regal aura, she paired it with the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara.
© PA ImagesThis historic piece was created in 1913 by Garrard, the first official jeweler to the Crown, commissioned by Queen Mary and inspired by a 19th-century tiara belonging to her grandmother, the Duchess of Cambridge.
© PA ImagesIt consists of 19 diamond arches topped with the titular “lover’s knots,” from which hang 19 baroque pearls. Worn by Queen Elizabeth II on numerous occasions, it also graced Diana, Princess of Wales, and Kate first wore it in 2015 at a diplomatic reception.
© PA ImagesCompleting her ensemble, the Princess of Wales chose sapphire-and-diamond earrings from the Queen Mother, Manolo Blahnik satin pumps with a 10.5 cm heel (last seen in an official portrait on June 23, 2022), and a silver Jenny Packham clutch, the Casa model first debuted in 2015.
Previous gala highlights:
Kate’s last formal appearances with tiaras date back to December 3, 2025, at Windsor Castle for a state banquet honoring the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and First Lady Elke Büdenbender.
© PrinceandprincessofwalesThat winter evening, she wore a blue Jenny Packham gown with an asymmetrical neckline, subtle waist draping, and a lightweight chiffon cape flowing from the shoulders, paired with the rarely seen Oriental Circlet Tiara, designed in 1853 by Garrard under Prince Albert’s direction, inspired by Indian architecture.
© PoolIn September 2025, at a gala with US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Kate opted for a golden tribute to Queen Elizabeth II in a Phillipa Lepley haute couture gown with cream-and-gold floral lace, high neckline, and long sleeves. She completed the look with the Lover’s Knot Tiara.
© PrinceandprincessofwalesKate first wore a tiara at a state dinner on July 8, 2025, for the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron. She stunned in a red pleated silk crepe gown with cape by Sarah Burton for Givenchy, once again accessorized with the Lover’s Knot Tiara.
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