The Princess of Wales looked breathtakingly beautiful on Wednesday evening as she attended the State Banquet at Windsor Castle to welcome President Donald Trump to the UK, alongside his wife, First Lady Melania. After a warm welcome earlier in the day, which saw the wife of Prince William don a cranberry-toned coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, with a matching hat and vintage Chanel bag, Catherine changed into a fabulous, floor-length dress for the formal dinner, alongside her husband, King Charles, and Queen Camilla.
160 guests were dining at the banquet, which was a white tie event that had been meticulously planned, with intricate preparations beginning more than six months prior. Charles and Camilla inspected the table ahead of time alongside the Master of the Household, Vice-Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt, to ensure no mistakes had been made.
Catherine looked beautiful in her stunning creation. The brunette royal donned a delightful, full-length hand-embroidered gold Chantilly gown, by designer Phillipa Lepley which featured hand-embroidered roses, couched gold cording accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms. Her lustrous hair was teased into her signature bouncy waves, and flawless makeup highlighted her beautiful features.
The Princess wore a beautiful, glittering tiara for the event, which sparkled in the light and showed how important the formal occasion was.
The State Banquet followed a busy day for the royals and presidential couple. The day started with Donald and Melania being greeted by William and Catherine before a carriage procession around the grounds of Windsor Castle. This was followed by an inspection of the guard, conducted by the monarch and the president before a lunch, held in the State Dining Room.
The day ended with a viewing of a special display of items in the Royal Collection that were related to the United States and a visit to the tomb of the late Queen, where President Trump laid a wreath before having a tour of the chapel. On his last state visit, the President was hosted by Her Late Majesty, and he spoke warmly of the late monarch. Following the tour, he was then treated to a flypast conducted by the Red Arrows.
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Charles and Camilla
King Charles looked so smart in his dinner suit, while Queen Camilla looked magical in a dress designed by Fiona Clare, she also wore a sapphire and diamond tiara alongside the King’s Family Order.
The Trumps
President Trump smiled as he entered the Banquet, joined by his wife, who wore a stylish yellow dress with a Barbie-pink belt.
Grand entrance
King Charles was seen speaking to the US President as they entered the room together.
Glittering in gold
For the State Banquet, the Princess of Wales opted to wear the Lover’s Knot tiara, one of her go-to pieces.
Princess Anne and Sir Timothy
Princess Anne looked stunning in a cream outfit as she was joined by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence.
Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Other members of the royal family in attendance included the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The King’s speech
In a speech at the dinner, Charles praised the US President for his efforts of peacemaking around the globe. “Our countries are working together in support of crucial diplomatic efforts, not least of which, Mr President, is your own personal commitment to finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts, in order to secure peace,” he said.
The King also joked about how he was linked to Richard Nixon’s daughter, Tricia, during his youth as he spoke about the “special relationship” between the United Kingdom and United States.
Private words
The President was touched by the King’s words and in his own speech, he said: “For many decades, His Majesty the King has epitomised the fortitude, nobility and the spirit of the British monarchy and the British people.”
Trump’s speech
Addressing the guests, President Trump said it was one of “the highest honours of my life” to be invited for a second state visit.
He also spoke highly of the Prince and Princess of Wales, saying: “His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing. We’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have an unbelievable success in future.
“Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, it’s so beautiful. It’s really a great honour, thank you.”
Catherine’s smile
As President Trump spoke about the Princess of Wales, she was seen looking up at the President with a smile.
End of the event
As the evening came to an end, the group enjoyed their port as they laughed with each other.
Guest list
Among the non-royal guests at the event were media mogul Rupert Murdoch. The 94-year-old is currently involved in a legal battle with Mr Trump over an article published in The Wall Street Journal.
Table details
The 47.32 metre-long table – equivalent to the length of two Marine One helicopters laid end to end – took a week to build and is set with 1,452 pieces of cutlery and 139 candles in silver gilt candelabra.
Menu for the guests
Guests at the State Banquet will dine on Hampshire Watercress Panna Cotta with Parmesan Shortbread and Quail Egg Salad, Organic Norfolk Chicken Ballotine wrapped in Courgettes, with a Thyme and Savoury Infused Jus and Vanilla Ice Cream Bombe with Kentish Raspberry Sorbet interior and lightly poached Victoria Plums.
Wine for the evening
The Wine list consisted of a 2016 Wiston Estate Cuvée, a 2018 Domaine Bonneau de Martray, Corton-Charlemagne, Grand Cru, a Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello from 2000 and a 1998 Pol Roger, Extra Cuvée de Réserve.
After dinner, in a nod to Mr Trump having been the 45th as well as the 47th President of the United States, guests will be served Warre’s 1945 Vintage Port; Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne – to reflect the year of the President’s mother Mary Anne MacLeod’s birth – and Bowmore Queen’s Cask 1980, Islay, a gift to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980, which was bottled for her Golden Jubilee in 2002.
The evening’s music
Members of the The 1st Battalion The Scots Guards supplied music for the night. Music included classical pieces such as Puccini’s Nessun Dorma and Handel’s Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. There were also modern choices, including Elton John’s Tiny Dancer and a James Bond medley.
Floral arrangements
Floral arrangements in shades of pink, red and yellow have been created using handpicked seasonal flowers and herbs from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park.
Afterwards they will be donated to the charity Floral Angels, which delivers to hospices, care homes, shelters and other community organisations.