All eyes were on the Prince and Princess of Wales Princess of Wales as they hosted the Nigerian President and his wife for a glittering state banquet on Wednesday night – with Kate bringing back her favourite tiara.
But there was one traditional element that was quickly missed by royal fans, despite it only being introduced last year.
For the three most recent state banquets, Kensington Palace has shared an official portrait of the couple ahead of the white-tie ceremonies at Windsor Castle. The King and Queen hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in July, followed by US President Donald Trump in September and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in December, with Kate and William playing an important role each time.
The surprise first took place at the French state banquet last July, with the Princess wowing in a red cape gown by Sarah Burton.
But on Wednesday night, there was no photograph released ahead of the banquet, with the Palace later releasing an edited video of the couple’s evening out. The portraits had offered a more personal glimpse at the couple’s look ahead of the formal banquet, with the German banquet portrait taken at Frogmore House in Windsor.
Disappointed royal fans
Royal fans had been eagerly anticipating a new portrait before the evening’s banquet commenced, with one person writing: “Fingers crossed to get a new official portrait before the State Banquet on Wednesday.”
When no photo was released, one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “I think we all missed the State Banquet official portrait as you shared with us in the last three occasions; was a beautiful new tradition you started.”
© Instagram / @princeandprincessofwalesReferencing a Taylor Swift song, another added: “Bye-bye 2025, you were bigger than the whole sky 💭.”
Others said: “They can’t spoil us one year and then just leave everything 😭 Who is the person behind this decision?” and “missing the official portrait by The Prince & Princess of Wales before the state banquet.”
Dazzling at the banquet
On Wednesday night, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted their first state banquet of the year.
The Princess of Wales opted for her favourite tiara, the Lover’s Knot, looking resplendent in a green gown from Andrew Gn and earrings from the late Queen.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesWilliam and Charles looked dapper in suits, while Camilla looked stunning in a cream embroidered gown by Fiona Clare and a sapphire and diamond tiara.
Earlier in the day, William and Kate welcomed President Tibubu and his wife at the Fairmont Hotel in Windsor for the start of their two-day visit to the UK. They then met the King and Queen at Datchet Road, before a ceremonial carriage procession to Windsor Castle.
Nigeria’s last state visit to the UK was in 1989, when the late Queen Elizabeth II was still on the throne. The President and First Lady are departing the UK on Thursday evening.
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