Princess Kate Modifies Gown for State Banquet Honoring Sultan of Oman

The Princess of Wales presented an elegant figure at a state banquet held for the Sultan of Oman, appearing in a modified Elie Saab gown. She attended the reception at Windsor Castle alongside Prince William and other senior royals.

The Elie Saab creation, originally part of the designer's spring/summer '25 Ready-to-Wear collection, featured a plunging neckline, a sheer skirt layered over a shorter dress, and a dramatic cape. For the royal occasion, Kate's version of the gown was altered to ensure greater modesty; the skirt was rendered opaque, and the neckline was adjusted to be less revealing.

Princess Catherine, 44, completed her ensemble with the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, a piece she has frequently worn, including at the previous state banquet in March. This diamond and pearl tiara has a significant lineage, having been worn by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Diana before being passed to Kate.

The Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara was commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914 from Royal jewellers Garrard, utilizing pearls and diamonds from her existing collection. It was inspired by a tiara owned by her grandmother. The neo-classical design features 19 open-work diamond arches and pearl drops. Queen Mary later adjusted the tiara, returning some pearls to her brooches. Upon her death, she bequeathed it to Queen Elizabeth II, who later gifted it to Princess Diana in 1981. Following Diana's death, the tiara was stored until it was given to Kate, then the Duchess of Cambridge, in 2015. She has worn it on 15 occasions since, including for the royal wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa in 2023 and during the state visit of US President Donald Trump.

Other members of the royal family were also in attendance. King Charles wore the Sash of the Order of Al Said, an honor bestowed upon him by the Sultan of Oman earlier in the day. Queen Camilla wore a purple chiffon dress by Fiona Clare. Prince William was dressed in a white tie with the Windsor tail coat.

The banquet, attended by 160 guests, featured a menu including Scottish langoustine and Cornish crab, pot roasted Windsor pheasant, and individual baked Alaskas. The King, in his address, spoke of the enduring friendship between Britain and Oman and acknowledged Oman's role as a mediator in the Middle East. He also highlighted the importance of the 'Jewel of Arabia' expedition, a cultural and environmental trek through the region, with both Prince William and the Crown Prince of Oman serving as joint patrons.

The state visit, the first for the Sultan of Oman to the UK, underscores the long-standing alliance between the two nations and aims to strengthen trade, military, and cultural ties amidst regional instability. The King emphasized Oman's 'constructive neutrality' and its efforts to keep vital shipping routes open as being of great service to the international community.

This event occurred on the same day Prince Harry's interview was published, in which he expressed a desire for reconciliation with his family, though his remarks were interpreted by some as critical of his brother, Prince William. A spokesperson for Prince Harry later clarified that the comments were not directed at his family.