The Princess of Wales looks incredibly beautiful in her floor-length gown for tonight’s state banquet at Windsor Castle.

The Princess of Wales wore a breathtaking lilac ball gown and a glittering diamond tiara for tonight’s state banquet held to welcome the German President and First Lady. The King and Queen are hosting President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and First Lady Elke Büdenbender at Windsor Castle until Friday, marking the start of an important diplomatic visit.

Catherine dazzled in a breathtaking floor-length Jenny Packham design – one of her go-to British designers. The ensemble was crafted in shimmering blue sequins that caught the light with every movement. The dress featured a sculpted silhouette paired with a fluid cape overlay, creating an ethereal sweep as she arrived for the white-tie event.

To finish the look, the Princess wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara worth a whopping £6.5 million – an unexpected and dramatic choice, given she usually chooses the iconic Cambridge Lover’s Knot.

Princess Kate was a vision of class and elegance in her purple look (Image: Getty)

The surprise switch instantly became the evening’s biggest fashion talking point. She complemented the tiara with a pair of earrings from Her Late Majesty The Queen’s collection, adding both history and emotional depth.

Pinned to her gown were her Royal Family Order and the GCVO Sash and Star, symbols of her senior royal role and a seamless blend of tradition woven into an otherwise contemporary, red-carpet-worthy moment.

Earlier today, the royals staged a spectacular welcome ceremony full of pomp and pageantry as the guests arrived in the UK. For tonight’s banquet, Princess Catherine’s look was steeped in elegance and symbolism.

The ensemble achieved a flawless balance between contemporary couture and historic royal tradition.

Princess Catherine opted for a special tiara honouring the late Queen Elizabeth (Image: Getty)

Princess Catherine has worn the Lover’s Knot Tiara more than a dozen times since joining the Royal Family, making it her most frequently chosen diadem for state occasions.

The piece is deeply symbolic and was famously commissioned by Queen Mary – crafted by Garrard in 1914, and later beloved by Princess Diana.

By contrast, Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, valued in the multi-millions due to its craftsmanship, diamonds and historical rarity – making Catherine’s decision to debut it an especially significant fashion moment.

Princess Catherine looked stepped out arm in arm with Prince William (Image: Getty)

The Prince and Princess of Wales played a central role in launching the German state visit earlier this morning, personally welcoming the President and First Lady as they touched down in the UK.

The royal couple travelled to Heathrow Airport, greeting the guests just moments after they arrived on British soil.

Later in the day, they joined the King and Queen at Windsor Castle, where the senior royals escorted their German visitors through a special exhibition in the Green Drawing Room.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were also in attendance. The display showcased significant items from the Royal Collection relating to Germany, offering a historic backdrop to the state visit.