Princess of Wales chooses tiara with love story for state banquet |
London: Leave it to the Princess of Wales to deliver a wow fashion moment in the same week as the Fashion Awards in Britain and an A-list Chanel show.
Catherine chose a sparkling blue Jenny Packham gown for a state banquet held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday night for the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, Elke Büdenbender.
The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive for the state banquet at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.Credit: Getty Images
A new addition to the princess’s collection, it featured an asymmetric neckline and cape-like sleeves. It was completed by earrings from the late Queen Elizabeth’s collection, along with the Grand Cross of the Victorian Order sash and star.
We know that Catherine’s ensemble is about more than formal evening grandeur. Every element of her look is a deployment of soft power, and is as valuable to the state visit package as the seating plan, the menu, the speeches and so on.
So while the gown was a showstopper, the most significant detail in her look was the tiara – Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet. It’s the first time Catherine has worn the headpiece, which was designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria. Albert, of course, was German, and the tiara was one of many tokens of his love for the monarch. The princess’s decision to wear it is likely intended to symbolise and celebrate Anglo-German........