Princess of Wales Stuns in Givenchy at French State Banquet

WINDSOR, UK – The Princess of Wales made a striking appearance at a state banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening, wearing a custom dark red Givenchy gown in an eloquent display of diplomatic fashion. The event, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, honored the official state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Princess’s choice of attire was rich with symbolism, pairing the French fashion house with a poignant piece of British royal history. Her selection of a gown from Givenchy, designed by the British creative director Sarah Burton, was widely interpreted as a thoughtful nod to the evening's guest of honor. Burton holds a special place in the Princess’s public life, having designed her iconic wedding dress in 2011.

The flowing silk creponne gown, in a deep crimson hue, featured a draped neckline and elegant long sleeves. The choice showcased a modern yet classic silhouette, a style for which the Princess has become well known on the world stage.

A Blend of Diplomacy and Personal History

State banquets are among the most formal and significant events in the royal calendar, serving as a powerful tool for soft diplomacy. The attire worn by members of the Royal Family is often carefully chosen to convey messages of respect and camaraderie. By selecting a French haute couture label, the Princess of Wales engaged in a practice known as "fashion diplomacy," using her wardrobe to strengthen cultural and political ties.

The event marked a key moment in post-Brexit relations between the United Kingdom and France, with both heads of state emphasizing shared history and future cooperation in their speeches. President Macron's visit is the first full French state visit to the UK in several years, adding weight to the occasion.

Alongside her husband, Prince William, the Princess was a central figure in the welcome delegation, greeting President Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron upon their arrival.

The Enduring Legacy of the Lover's Knot Tiara

Adding to the significance of the evening, the Princess wore the Lover's Knot Tiara, a piece intrinsically linked to her late mother-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales. The diamond and pearl tiara was one of Diana's most frequently worn and beloved pieces.

Commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914, the tiara was crafted by the royal jewelers Garrard from pearls and diamonds already owned by the Royal Family. It was later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, who loaned it to Princess Diana after her wedding. The Princess of Wales has worn the historic headpiece on several high-profile occasions, creating a visual link to the legacy she now inherits.

She completed her ensemble with the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II pinned to her gown, a personal honor bestowed by the late monarch.

The banquet itself was held in St. George's Hall, the vast, restored hall within Windsor Castle. The menu reportedly featured the best of British and French cuisine, further cementing the evening's theme of cross-channel friendship. As the Royal Family continues to define its role in the modern era, events like these demonstrate the enduring power of tradition, symbolism, and personal gestures on the international stage.