Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, made a stunning return to formal royal duties on July 8, wearing a tiara for the first time in over a year. The regal occasion was a state banquet at Windsor Castle held in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, marking a key event during their state visit to the United Kingdom.
Princess Kate’s Iconic Tiara and Elegant Ensemble
For the evening, Kate chose to wear Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, a beloved piece she first donned in 2015 and famously worn by the late Princess Diana. This tiara has since become one of Kate’s signature royal accessories, appearing at numerous state events, including past banquets and the royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa of Jordan.
Complementing the tiara, Kate wore a striking red caped dress designed by Sarah Burton for Givenchy — the same designer behind her royal wedding gown. She accessorized with earrings from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, adding a touch of royal heritage and elegance to her look.
A Social Media Moment to Remember
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a radiant photo of themselves dressed for the occasion on their official social media channels, captioning it:
“Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor.”
First Tiara Appearance Since Cancer Treatment
This marked Princess Kate’s first time wearing a tiara since December 2023, when she also wore Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara at the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. That event was her last formal appearance before stepping back from public life for much of 2024 to focus on her cancer treatment and recovery.
Kate’s last state banquet was in November 2023, where she wore the Strathmore Rose Tiara, a historic piece not worn since the 1930s. She has worn four different tiaras from the royal collection since marrying Prince William in 2011.
Balancing Royal Duties and Health
Although she participated in the Qatar state visit in December 2023, Kate did not attend the banquet that evening, highlighting her cautious return to duties while prioritizing her health.
In January 2025, Princess Kate announced she was in cancer remission but acknowledged the emotional and physical challenges of post-treatment recovery during a visit to Colchester Hospital on July 2:
“You put on a sort of brave face, stoicism through treatment. Treatment’s done, then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually, the phase afterwards is really, really difficult.”
A Royal Evening Steeped in Tradition and Franco-British Ties
The state banquet at Windsor Castle was the first held there in 11 years. It featured King Charles and President Macron leading the royal procession, followed by Queen Camilla, Brigitte Macron, and senior royals including Prince Edward, Sophie, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
The event showcased thoughtful touches celebrating French-British friendship, such as specially crafted cocktails combining British gin and French pastis, and a menu including Taylor’s 1977 Vintage Port and 1948 Grande Champagne Cognac, representing the birth years of Macron and Charles.
Hand-picked flowers from the gardens of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle adorned the tables, with leftover blooms donated to charity, reflecting Queen Camilla’s patronage of Floral Angels.
Welcoming the Macrons in Royal Style
Earlier that day, Kate and Prince William greeted the Macrons at RAF Northolt before traveling to Windsor Castle. The group made a regal entrance with a horse-drawn carriage procession, followed by lunch and a special exhibition featuring items from the Royal Collection with French connections.
