The Princess of Wales stepped out this evening in a breathtaking ball gown and a glittering diamond tiara to attend the 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.

Princess Catherine dazzled in a breathtaking floor-length Jenny Packham design, crafted in shimmering purple sequins that caught the light with every movement. The dress featured a sculpted silhouette paired with a fluid cape overlay, giving the ensemble a regal, almost ethereal sweep as she entered the ballroom.

To finish the look, the Princess wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara - an unexpected and dramatic choice, given she usually gravitates toward the iconic Cambridge Lover’s Knot.

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, while blending modern sophistication with centuries-old symbolism in a way that felt unmistakably her.

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.

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.