Princess Kate has not worn a tiara since December 2023 when she slipped on the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara for the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. She paired the headtopper with her pink Jenny Packham gown, a complete repeat of her look at the Jordan royal wedding earlier that year.

For her state banquet gown, Kate chose a dark red Givenchy evening gown designed by Sarah Burton, who also designed the princess's wedding dress. Kate and William shared their looks ahead of the state banquet on social media, captioning a photo, "Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor."

Kate Middleton cut a regal figure in a sweeping red gown — and paid a sartorial nod to Princess Diana in her iconic tiara — for a state banquet.