Kate Middleton Lover’s Knot tiara look marks a 44-year royal milestone
The Princess of Wales honored Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at Windsor Castle with historic heirloom jewelry and royal orders.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, joined Prince William, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening for a formal state banquet honoring Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. The dinner, held in St George’s Hall, marked a historic diplomatic occasion and a high-profile white-tie appearance for the royal couple.
For the event, Catherine wore a yellow cape gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab from his Spring/Summer 2025 collection, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar. She paired the statement gown with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, along with diamond and pearl earrings and a bracelet that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Princess also wore the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, as well as the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO).
A royal look and a behind-the-scenes portrait
Prince William wore traditional white tie featuring a Windsor tailcoat. His regalia included the sash of the Order of the Garter, the stars of the Garter and the Thistle, and the neck badge of the Great Master of the Order of the Bath, according to the Daily Mirror.
Before entering the hall, the couple shared a behind-the-scenes portrait on their official social media channels, taken at Frogmore House by photographer Greg Williams. The Prince and Princess of Wales posted the portrait with the caption: “Ready for tonight’s State Banquet in Windsor …”
Fashion commentators and royal watchers highlighted the Princess’s bright gown online, noting that the vibrant yellow design drew comparisons to Princess Belle from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as noted by Hello! Magazine.
Historic milestone at Windsor Castle
During the formal banquet procession into St George’s Hall, Catherine was escorted by His Excellency Sayyid Khalid Hilal Al Busaidi. Prince William walked alongside Ms. Dina Mack.
The banquet is part of the first UK state visit by an Omani monarch in 44 years. The last occurred in March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth II hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said at Windsor Castle.
Earlier in the day on October 20, Catherine attended the official daytime welcome ceremony in a dark green coatdress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, accessorized with a Juliette Botterill hat, according to Elle.
The signature tiara
The Lover’s Knot Tiara remains one of Catherine’s most recognized evening pieces. She has chosen the historic heirloom for several diplomatic occasions in recent years, including the Nigerian state banquet in March 2026.
While the visual elements of the evening were documented in detail, specific topics discussed between the British royal family and the Omani delegation during their private reception ahead of the banquet have not been made public.
