Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a poised and elegant return to the royal spotlight during the state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle on July 8, 2025, in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron. The evening not only marked a significant diplomatic event but also a personal milestone for the Princess, who has been gradually resuming public engagements following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.
Her appearance, celebrated for its grace and symbolic significance, highlighted her evolving role in the monarchy and the esteem in which she is held by King Charles III and the wider Royal Family.
A Return to Royal Duties with Strength and Style
After a period of medical treatment and reduced public appearances, Princess Catherine’s participation in this official banquet was a noteworthy return to royal life. She joined King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, and other senior royals in welcoming the French head of state and dignitaries.
The state visit underscored the ongoing diplomatic relationship between the United Kingdom and France, with the banquet serving as a cultural and ceremonial centerpiece of the occasion.
Wearing a crimson gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Princess Catherine turned heads with her sophisticated fashion and poised demeanor. Her gown featured a dramatic cape-style train and elegant tailoring, symbolizing strength and modern royal fashion while remaining respectful of traditional white-tie protocol.
Royal Family Order of King Charles III: A Rare and Personal Honor
During the banquet, Princess Catherine was seen wearing the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, a distinctive royal decoration awarded to female members of the Royal Family for exceptional service. The Royal Family Order is traditionally conferred at the discretion of the reigning monarch and is worn on formal occasions.
This marked the first time the public has seen Princess Catherine wearing King Charles’s personal order, positioned above the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II, which she received earlier in her royal career. As of 2024, Queen Camilla was the only other royal known to have received King Charles’s version of the order, making Catherine’s recognition a significant moment in royal protocol and history.
The Royal Family Order is often interpreted as a symbol of trust, loyalty, and gratitude from the reigning monarch. Its appearance during this state occasion reaffirmed Catherine’s growing influence and respected standing within the Royal Family.
A Touching Tribute Through Jewelry and Accessories
Alongside the royal orders and sash, Princess Catherine wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a beloved heirloom with deep family history. Originally commissioned in 1914 for Queen Mary and famously worn by Princess Diana, the tiara has become one of Catherine’s most recognizable accessories for formal state occasions. Its diamond and pearl design reflects royal elegance and continuity across generations.
She also wore drop earrings gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth II, along with a clutch embroidered with Lily of the Valley, the Queen’s favorite flower and a symbol of humility and renewal. The floral motif echoed the Queen’s own coronation bouquet, offering a subtle tribute to the late monarch’s enduring legacy.
Catherine also displayed the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order, which was awarded to her by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019, further symbolizing her long-standing dedication to royal service.
