Since she officially joined the British royal family in April 2011, Kate Middleton’s royal wardrobe has gone through a total evolution. No royal engagement has highlighted that transformation better than the Princess of Wales’ state banquet appearances.
For such a high-profile occasion, at which the British royal family hosts dignitaries from various countries, Middleton often turns to some of her go-to fashion labels and couturiers, including McQueen and Jenny Packham. Ahead, WWD breaks down some of the highlights from Kate Middleton‘s state banquet appearances.
2025
Prince William and Kate Middleton at the state banquet for the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender at Windsor Castle on Dec. 3 in Windsor, England.
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The Princess of Wales’ latest state banquet look, and her final one for 2025, was a shimmering Jenny Packham-designed gown. Worn for the state banquet honoring the German president and his wife, Middleton’s gown was crafted in a shade of Berlin blue as a sartorial homage to Germany. The gown featured an asymmetric neckline with cascading sequins and crystals all over the body of the dress.
The sleeves were designed in a cape-like style with ombre tones of blue pouring down the fabric. Middleton adorned her gown with the Royal Victorian Order sash with a star and badge along with the Royal Family Order of King Charles III. She topped off the entire look with Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet tiara.
2022
Kate Middleton during the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Nov. 22, 2022, in London.
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Three years prior, for a state banquet honoring the President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at Buckingham Palace in November 2022, the Princess of Wales wore another Jenny Packham gown. The cream dress featured glittering embellishments at the shoulders and was designed with the same caped-sleeve motif. Middleton accessorized with the Lover’s Knot tiara — famously worn by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana — to complete her look.
2019
Kate Middleton and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on June 3, 2019, in London.
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While hosting a contingent from the U.S. in 2019, Middleton wore a ruffled white dress by McQueen. At the time, Middleton was still the Duchess of Cambridge. The gown was designed with a sweetheart neckline, cape sleeves and a cinched waist with a full skirt. Just as she would three years later, Middleton wore the Lover’s Knot tiara for this state banquet.
2018
Kate Middleton walks with Rear Admiral Ludger Brummelaar at a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Oct. 23, 2018, in London.
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At a 2018 state banquet honoring the king and queen of the Netherlands, Middleton wore another McQueen design. The icy blue gown featured slightly off-the-shoulder straps with a ruched bodice, a drop waist, and a flowing full skirt with a slight train. The bodice of the gown included a small rosette, and Middleton, then the Duchess of Cambridge, paired her gown with the Lover’s Knot tiara and a suite of pearl jewelry — including a statement necklace and drop earrings.
