Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, made a notable appearance at the recent French state banquet held at Windsor Castle. This event was her first appearance at the staple royal grand dinner in a two-year absence, as she had been receiving treatment for cancer. She already made history last year for being the first British royal to show King Charles III’s Royal Family Order. This extraordinary gesture marries ancient traditions and modernity exquisitely in royal honors.
The Royal Family Order is a great honour and a highly prestigious badge that depicts the reigning monarch in miniature portrait. In this particular instance, it had shown the new King Charles III’s likeness, painted on an unusual surface called polymin – a synthetic, donut-shaped material. This selection of color is a departure from the standard ivory used in past commissions. It backs up Prince William’s long-standing support for the conservation movement and his leadership on ending the ivory trade. Earlier this year, Kate Middleton was awarded her Royal Family Order. This honor made her the first royal to wear such an award created from glass rather than ivory.
She wore her Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Family Order on a silk ribbon of rich yellow, with pride, at the eve of her state banquet. This high honorific insignia is worn by the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Royal. This double window of national commands served to emphasize her closeness to the late queen and to the present sovereign. Kate Middleton surprised royal watchers with her daring move to wear the King’s Royal Family Order, opting out of the late queen’s. This decision emphasizes her increasing power within the royals.
Kate Middleton’s exemplary style took center stage during the state banquet. She sparkled as she arrived in a gorgeous red Givenchy gown, elegantly accessorized with her favorite tiara. This was her first tiara-wearing event in almost two years. To cap it all, the last time she wowed us in a tiara was earlier this year, at a diplomatic reception. Her attire, combined with the regal art deco tiara and jewels, made the setting of this glamorous evening spectacular.
Queen Camilla wearing King Charles III’s Royal Family Order at the Japan state banquet in June 2024. It was a special way to set the tone for the evening before the banquet officially started! Also important, this will be the first public display of Kate Middleton’s order of this kind. It’s a reflection of her growing prominence in royal engagements and state duties.
