Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge—now known as Princess of Wales—made a stunning appearance at a state banquet hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on October 23, 2018, in honor of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. The event, held at Buckingham Palace, marked the first day of the Dutch royals’ two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, a diplomatic affair blending pomp, politics, and priceless jewels. Kate, then 36, turned heads by donning the iconic Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, a piece famously favored by her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, paired with a bespoke sky-blue Alexander McQueen gown that evoked elegance and tradition.

The banquet was part of a long-standing tradition of state visits, designed to strengthen bilateral ties between nations. The Netherlands and the UK share deep historical connections, from shared monarchial lineages to economic partnerships in trade, energy, and defense. King Willem-Alexander, who ascended the throne in 2013 after his mother Queen Beatrix’s abdication, arrived with Queen Maxima for discussions on Brexit implications, sustainable development, and cultural exchanges. Queen Elizabeth, then 92, hosted the event with her characteristic poise, welcoming the guests in the opulent Ballroom of Buckingham Palace, where over 150 dignitaries dined on a menu featuring Windsor lamb and seasonal vegetables.

Kate’s choice of tiara was particularly poignant. The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, commissioned in 1913 by Queen Mary from the House of Garrard, features 19 diamond arches and 38 drop pearls suspended from lover’s knot bows. Originally inspired by a tiara owned by Queen Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, it was later gifted to Princess Diana as a wedding present from Queen Elizabeth in 1981. Diana wore it frequently, including at state banquets and overseas tours, making it synonymous with her glamorous public image. After Diana’s death in 1997, the tiara returned to the royal collection, unseen until Kate revived it in 2015 at the annual Diplomatic Reception. By 2018, it had become one of Kate’s go-to pieces, symbolizing continuity between generations of royal women.

Complementing the tiara, Kate accessorized with Queen Alexandra’s Wedding Necklace, a diamond and pearl choker originally given to Alexandra in 1863 by the City of London. She also wore the Collingwood pearl and diamond earrings, once belonging to Diana, adding a personal touch to her ensemble. Her gown, a caped creation by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen—the same label behind her 2011 wedding dress—featured intricate lace detailing and a fitted bodice, in a shade of blue that nodded to the Dutch flag’s colors, a subtle diplomatic gesture. Fashion experts praised the look for its blend of modernity and heritage, with the flowing cape adding drama as she arrived at the palace.

The evening’s jewel parade extended beyond Kate. Queen Maxima, 47 at the time, made a bold statement with the Stuart Tiara, a Dutch royal heirloom featuring a massive 39.75-carat Stuart Diamond at its center. The tiara, dating back to the 17th century and linked to Mary Stuart, wife of William III of England, was paired with a sapphire suite including a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. Queen Elizabeth opted for the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, her “Granny’s Tiara,” a diamond piece from 1893 gifted by a committee of women. Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, wore the Greville Tiara, a honeycomb-style diamond headpiece from 1921, loaned by the Queen. The collective sparkle underscored the event’s grandeur, with estimates valuing the displayed jewels in the tens of millions.

State banquets like this one follow a meticulous protocol. Guests arrive in white-tie attire, with women in gowns and tiaras, men in tails or national dress. The evening begins with pre-dinner receptions, followed by a procession into the Ballroom, where the royal family and visitors take their seats at a U-shaped table adorned with gold plate from the Royal Collection. Speeches are exchanged—Queen Elizabeth toasted the enduring Anglo-Dutch alliance, while King Willem-Alexander highlighted shared values of tolerance and innovation. The menu, prepared by palace chefs, included halibut in champagne sauce and a bombe glacée dessert, served with wines from the royal cellars.

This was Kate’s third state banquet, following events for Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2015 and Spanish King Felipe VI in 2017. Each time, she has selected tiaras with historical resonance, building her reputation as a thoughtful custodian of royal fashion. In 2015, she debuted the Lotus Flower Tiara, originally belonging to the Queen Mother. For the Spanish visit, she chose the Lover’s Knot again, establishing it as a favorite. Royal watchers note that Kate’s choices often pay homage to Diana, fostering a narrative of legacy amid her own growing role in the monarchy.

The Dutch visit itself was a diplomatic highlight. It included a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade, a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace, and meetings with Prime Minister Theresa May on post-Brexit trade. The royals toured Westminster Abbey, where Willem-Alexander laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, and visited the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich to discuss sustainable shipping. Cultural ties were emphasized, with references to the shared history of William of Orange, who became King William III of England in 1689.

Behind the glamour, the event reflected the royal family’s evolving dynamics. Prince William, accompanying Kate, wore the Order of the Garter sash, underscoring his future role. The absence of Meghan Markle, then newly married to Prince Harry, was noted—she attended her first state banquet later that year—but the focus remained on the established couples. Queen Maxima, an Argentine-born former investment banker, brought her own flair, speaking fluent English and engaging on topics like financial inclusion.

Jewelry experts highlight the tiaras’ significance beyond aesthetics. The Lover’s Knot, valued at over £1 million, represents emotional continuity for the Windsors. Diana reportedly found it heavy—nicknaming it the “swinging chandelier”—but wore it to assert her style. Kate, by contrast, appears comfortable in it, often pairing it with pearl earrings for a cohesive look. The Stuart Tiara’s diamond, one of the world’s largest blue-white gems, symbolizes Dutch resilience, having been recut multiple times since the 1690s.

Public reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzzed with photos of the tiara-clad royals, with hashtags like #RoyalBanquet and #KateTiara trending. British tabloids lauded Kate’s “elegant tribute” to Diana, while Dutch media praised Maxima’s “regal presence.” The event drew an estimated global audience of millions via broadcasts, boosting tourism interest in Buckingham Palace tours.

In the broader context of royal diplomacy, such banquets serve as soft power tools. The UK hosts about two state visits annually, each costing around £2 million but yielding economic benefits through strengthened alliances. The 2018 Dutch visit paved the way for post-Brexit agreements, including energy deals worth billions.

Kate’s fashion influence extended post-event. The McQueen gown inspired replicas in bridal and evening wear lines, while tiara replicas became popular accessories. Her role as a style icon has evolved since her 2011 wedding, with choices often supporting British designers like McQueen and Jenny Packham.

As of 2026, reflecting on this event amid King Charles III’s reign, it stands as a benchmark for royal glamour. Kate, now Princess of Wales, continues to wear the Lover’s Knot at occasions like the 2022 South African state banquet and the 2023 South Korean visit, maintaining its legacy. Recent appearances, such as the 2025 German state banquet where she wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara, show her expanding repertoire.

The 2018 banquet also highlighted international royal fashion trends. Queen Maxima’s Stuart Tiara influenced later appearances, like Princess Catharina-Amalia’s 2025 debut in a historic Dutch tiara at a Finnish state banquet, wearing a Jenny Packham gown echoing Kate’s style.

Ultimately, Kate’s tiara moment encapsulated the enduring allure of royal events—blending history, diplomacy, and dazzle. As one palace insider noted, “It’s not just about the jewels; it’s about the stories they tell.” In an era of modern monarchy, such displays reinforce tradition while adapting to contemporary expectations.