Kate Middleton stuns in red Givenchy gown and Princess Diana’s tiara at French state banquet

It marks the first time Kate Middleton has worn a tiara since 2023

Kate Middleton made a dazzling return to formal royal glamour on Tuesday evening as she stepped out in a show-stopping red Givenchy gown and Princess Diana’s iconic Lover’s Knot tiara for a state banquet at Windsor Castle, marking the first night of the French state visit.

Joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William in honouring French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron, Princess Kate, 43, was the picture of regal elegance.

 

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A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)

Kate Middleton’s red Givenchy gown steals the spotlight at Windsor Castle

Her gown was a dark red silk creponne creation by Sarah Burton.

Sarah is the former creative director of Alexander McQueen and is now at the helm of Givenchy. Burton designed Kate’s wedding dress for her nuptials back in 2011.

The gown featured a dramatic caped back, cinched waist, and graceful pleated A-line skirt.

The designer, Givenchy, notably, also created Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding dress.

Kate’s accessories also carried emotional weight and deep royal symbolism. She wore the Lover’s Knot tiara, once beloved by Diana, Princess of Wales. Originally crafted for Queen Mary in 1913, the diamond and pearl headpiece was passed down to Diana as a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II and has become a signature piece for the Princess of Wales.

She completed the look with Queen Elizabeth’s Greville Chandelier diamond earrings and a delicate lily-of-the-valley embroidered evening clutch.

Her brunette hair was swept back in a sleek blow-dry, while her makeup consisted of a sultry smoky eye and soft pink blush.

The occasion marked the first time Kate has worn a tiara since late 2023. The Princess of Wales spent much of early 2024 privately undergoing preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis.
Earlier in the day, Kate donned Dior for the first time (Credit: Cover Images)

Kate wears Dior

Earlier that day, the Princess had already turned heads during the formal welcome at RAF Northolt, where she wore Dior for the very first time in honour of the French guests.

Her blush pink Dior jacket and netted skirt was accessorised with more family heirlooms: Diana’s pearl drop earrings and one of Queen Elizabeth’s signature three-strand pearl necklaces.

Fans on social media couldn’t get enough of the double-designer moment.

One viral tweet gushed: “Dior for the day, Givenchy for the night. What a handsome and dashing couple.”

Another joked, referencing Meghan Markle’s Givenchy wedding dress: “Which dress do you think they’re proudest of? Catherine wears this like a model. Gorgeous!”

Others didn’t hold back in referencing royal tensions. One joked: “Can you hear the plates smashing in Montecito? Dior at the welcome ceremony and Givenchy at the state banquet. Both beautiful on the unmatchable Princess of Wales.”
Princess Kate sat next to the president (Credit: ITN)

Behind the scenes for the state visit

Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared behind-the-scenes footage on their official social media channels.

A highlight reel from day one of the state visit was posted with the message: “From discussions on our shared future to moments of reflection on historic ties, it was an honour to help strengthen the enduring partnership between France and the UK alongside Their Majesties and Président @emmanuelmacron today.”

Fans flooded the comments section.

“So regal and stunning. Both look amazing,” one wrote.

“Catherine always steals the show. Just amazing,” another gushed.

A third fan agreed: “As usual, Catherine, Princess of Wales, shone brightest.”