Kate Middleton’s Cinderella-inspired look outshines Prince William at Windsor banquet

Kate Middleton looked picture perfect in a shimmering lavender creation from Jenny Packham as she accompanied Prince William for Windsor Castle’s state banquet, held in honour of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s state visit, on December 3.

Further outmaneuvering all of the expert predictions regarding her choice of tiara for the evening, the Princess of Wales stepped out in one never-before-seen on her — the fairly large Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara.

Posing for an official portrait released ahead of the dinner, the future king and queen looked radiant in a post shared by their official Instagram page.

“Looking forward to a special banquet tonight in Windsor,” read the caption.

Garrard, the London-based jewellery designers and manufacturers, particularly popular with the royals, had claimed that the latest tiara sported by Kate was “A Mughal-Inspired Masterpiece”.

“Among the most important Victorian-era jewels in the Royal Collection, the Oriental Circlet is also one of the oldest pieces created by Garrard for the Royal Family,” the luxury jewellery house’s official website revealed.

“Crafted for Queen Victoria in 1853 under the direction of her beloved husband and consort, Prince Albert, the Oriental Circlet was originally set with a collection of opals, one of Albert’s favourite gemstones, and 2,600 diamonds,” the website also stated. “Later, believing that opals were unlucky, Queen Alexandra replaced them with rubies.”

Garrard further noted that despite the modifications, the Oriental Circlet’s “magnificent, Indian-inspired design of lotus flowers and Mughal arches” remain untouched till date.

Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales’ complete engagement with the German president and his wife was also shared via their social media, including footage from the time they escored the foreign first couple to Windsor after receiving them at Heathrow Airport.

“Celebrating the friendship between Germany and the UK for the State Visit of @bundespraesident.steinmeier,” the description revealed.

Kate Middleton and Prince William were led at the state banquet on Wednesday by hosts of the evening, King Charles and Queen Camilla, while other royal members like Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Duchess Sophie also marked their attendance.