The Princess of Wales looked magnificent on Wednesday evening, alongside her husband, Prince William, as the royal family hosted their first State Banquet of 2026. The special event was held for the state visit of the President and First Lady of Nigeria.
The banquet, which was held at Windsor Castle, was the first time royal fans had seen Kate wear a tiara in 2026. The mother-of-three chose the Lovers Knot Tiara, her most-worn piece, which topped her magnificent mane perfectly.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesThe royal’s dress had billowing, dramatic sleeves
Kate’s gorgeous green dress was a bespoke ensemble by Andrew Gn. The royal last wore one of the Singaporean designer’s creations in 2023, at Trooping the Colour. The design featured dramatic sleeve detail, which finished with gathered cuffs.
Kate’s high-necked dress was the same shade of green as Nigeria’s green and white flag. This choice emulates the late Queen Elizabeth II, who often incorporated a nation’s national emblems or colours into her outfits.
© Getty ImagesThe royal looked as beautiful as ever
Always appearing radiant, Kate’s beauty look was polished yet natural; she sported a delicate array of lightly applied cosmetics, and her hair was coiffed and expertly curled. Touchingly, she donned the late Queen Elizabeth II’s earrings for the occasion.
© Getty ImagesIt’s been a busy day for the royals
The banquet came on the same day that William and Kate welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for the start of their two-day visit.
Nigeria’s last state visit to the UK was in 1989, when the late Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne. During the late Queen’s reign, the UK also hosted state visits in 1973 and 1981.
Kate’s best banquet looks
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesKate has been the belle of the ball at many state banquets
The royal has stepped out in a variety of dazzling dresses for state banquets over the years. As a fashion editor, it’s always a very exciting occasion to see what Kate will be wearing for these official moments.
“At state banquets, Kate always gravitates toward silhouettes that feel regal without ever being overdone; think structured bodices, sweeping skirts, and refined necklines that sit just on the elegant side of classic,” Oriona Robb, a luxury stylist with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, previously told HELLO!.
“She understands the visual language of royal eveningwear: symmetry, poise, and a sense of continuity with the monarchy’s long history of formal dressing.”
© Getty ImagesKate wore this iconic Jenny Packham gown in December 2025
The royal was the ultimate banquet professional in 2025, donning three incredible gowns for three separate events.
Kate had a glittering, show-stopping moment in her sequinned Jenny Packham gown at the German State Banquet that took place on 3 December at St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.
The kaleidoscope of blue sequins nodded to her regality, but the dramatic cape detail added an almost enchanting, whimsical finish to the ensemble. The sequins brought show-stopping glamour, and royal fans everywhere loved how they perfectly matched her Oriental Circlet Tiara.
© Getty ImagesThe royal had the Midas touch in her Phillipa Lepley dress
In September 2025, Kate joined Prince William, King Charles, and Queen Camilla in welcoming President Trump and his wife, Melania, to the UK for a state visit. Kate opted for a glorious gold number by Phillipa Lepley with a lace overlay. It was paired with the Cambridge Lover’s Knot from the royal jewellery archives. The heirloom piece was created for Queen Mary in 1914 by the House of Garrard.
© Getty ImagesKate wore a ruby red dress by Sarah Burton for Givenchy
In July 2025, Kate made an appearance at the state banquet hosted in honour of President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, who made the first state visit by a French president in 17 years. The royal wore a crimson gown by Sarah Burton for Givenchy that was eye-catching yet classic.
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