Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine are making a deliberate statement with their outfit choices for recent State Banquets, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold. Speaking to OLBG, the expert highlighted the strikingly colourful attire worn at the recent German, French and American banquets this year compared to former outfits worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II at formal occasions. On Wednesday, Catherine sported a breathtaking lilac floor-length Jenny Packham design, whilst Camilla wore striking teal Fiona Clare gown.

Discussing how their outfits are seemingly breaking a long-standing tradition within the Firm, he said that their choice to sport bold, brighter colours is a powerful and intentional signal. He said: “This is very interesting, if you look at images of Queen Elizabeth II and state banquets she attended, royal ladies always wore cream or off white dresses. You would never in a million years wear the colours we are now seeing the Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla wearing.”

Hex explained: “It’s a real statement, and it’s very much saying ‘this is a different era, this is a modern family with a different take on things’. It’s very jazzy and trendy. It’s making a clear break from Queen Elizabeth’s very traditional and rigid stance… I think that’s the modern royal ladies making a clear statement to say this is the royal dress code and the way we are going to do things.

“Behind closed doors, I don’t know whether it’s Camilla, Kate’s or the King’s idea, I would imagine it’s a discussion among all of them, as I remember being at dinners where they would discuss items like this. It is fascinating that this is now the dress code.”