Kate Middleton radiated elegance at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night as she attended a state banquet honoring U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the second state visit of the Trump administration. The Princess of Wales wore a couture gold lace gown by Phillipa Lepley, completed with the Lover's Knot Tiara and diamond-and-pearl earrings that belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.
Her hair was worn in long bronde waves, a softer alternative to the elaborate updos she has favored on other state occasions. Her makeup emphasized a luminous, natural finish with a glowing base and subtle contouring. In remarks during the banquet, President Trump described the princess as 'so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful.'
Celebrity makeup artist Collette Ruddy told FEMAIL the look achieves a harmony between natural radiance and red-carpet glamour, noting a flawless base that lends the skin a healthy luminosity and soft contouring that defines features without heaviness. She highlighted the neutral eye tones, which subtly enhance the gaze and complement the warmth of the complexion. Another expert, Iryna Khomyakova of BACKSTAGE, described Kate's foundation as lightweight with a dewy finish and suggested a touch of highlighter on the cheekbones, brow bones and nose to add luminosity, paired with a warm bronzer that lifts and sculpts for a sun-kissed effect. Khomyakova also described softly blended eyeliner, cool-neutral eyeshadow with a hint of gold shimmer, and delicately fanned lashes to open the eyes without looking overdone. The lips were a soft rosy nude, chosen to remain elegant while not competing with the gown.
To replicate the look, Ruddy emphasized skin preparation and a light-reflecting primer on high points of the face, plus translucent powder to keep the T-zone matte. The makeup artist who described the gown’s impact noted the dress’s key details: Chantilly lace hand-embroidered over silk crepe, with roses, gold cording, and French knots that caught the lights of the ballroom without overpowering the wearer. Kate also wore a sash bearing royal orders, including the Royal Family Order of King Charles III.
Hair director Adam Oygur praised the choice of a bronde, loose-waved hairstyle that frames the face and allows the tiara to take center stage. He described the finish as modern and effortless, with a smooth, glossy texture and just enough movement to feel contemporary yet regal. Debra Postiglioni, a freelance stylist, suggested that hair worn down can read as more youthful and approachable while still maintaining royal poise, though she noted alternatives such as an updo or a slightly shorter cut could also complement the gown’s high neckline. Hair expert Gustav Fouche said the lighter, warmer tones work well with the makeup and eyebrows, balancing the complexion and subtly masking regrowth while remaining flattering as the person ages. He even suggested adding darker chocolate-brown slices for extra depth, though he stressed Kate already looked beautiful, glowing and healthy.
The full-length gown’s artistry extended to its accessories: the Lover's Knot Tiara, a favorite of Kate’s, is a diamond-and-pearl piece originally made for Queen Mary in 1913 and gifted by Queen Elizabeth II to Diana, Princess of Wales, on the occasion of the couple’s wedding. Kate has worn the tiara on several major occasions, including previous state visits and royal events.
Reaction from royal fans online reflected a widespread appreciation for the ensemble, with many complimenting the overall balance of light, warmth and sophistication. The banquet itself marked a continuation of the close relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States during a historic moment for the presidency, with the royal couple standing beside the visiting dignitaries.
Historically, the look represented a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary beauty standards. In 2019, during President Trump’s first state visit, Kate wore a white Alexander McQueen gown with the Lover's Knot Tiara, so the 2025 appearance offered a refined evolution in hair and makeup while maintaining a signature sense of royal styling. The combination of the gilded embroidery, the warm-toned hair, and the understated makeup underscored Kate's role as a modern monarch-in-waiting who can anchor a formal state occasion with a relaxed poise.