After a long and challenging health journey, Princess Katherine is preparing for her return to public duties following her completion of chemotherapy. The Princess of Wales, who has faced her cancer battle with grace, is now planning to make appearances at several key events towards the end of 2024.
Royal watchers are eagerly awaiting her much-anticipated return, hoping to see her at the Remembrance Sunday service and other high-profile engagements. This news has sparked memories of some of her most iconic public appearances, including the unforgettable state banquet in 2018, where Catherine stole the spotlight in a breathtaking ensemble that remains a standout moment in royal fashion.
On October 23, 2018, Katherine attended a state banquet at Buckingham Palace to welcome King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. The royal event marked Katherine’s first time donning a full tiara and gown since returning from maternity leave after the birth of Prince Louis. For the occasion, she chose a spectacular icy blue mermaid-cut gown by Alexander McQueen, a designer she frequently turns to for grand occasions.
The floor-length gown, with its luxurious défâte fabric, hugged her figure perfectly, flaring out at the hem to create a timelessly elegant silhouette that radiated sophistication. Many royal watchers loved the Cinderella color of the princess’s défâte gown, as well as Katherine’s sparkling royal accessories, including a new badge—the royal family order—a glass portrait of Queen Elizabeth surrounded by diamonds. Queen Elizabeth II personally bestowed the commemorative medal to Catherine.
Katherine’s ensemble for the evening was made even more dazzling by her choice of accessories. She wore the iconic Lover’s Knot tiara, a piece rich with royal history. The tiara, designed by British jeweler Garrard in 1913, was originally created for Queen Mary and later became one of Princess Diana’s favorites, despite being so heavy that it reportedly gave her headaches. The stunning tiara features 19 diamond arches adorned with 38 exquisite drop pearls. Its intricate design and regal history made it the perfect choice for Catherine, who has worn it on multiple formal occasions.
To complement the tiara, Katherine wore Queen Alexandra’s wedding necklace, a showstopping piece featuring pearls and a festoon arrangement that added a classic touch to her already glittering ensemble. Diana’s Collingwood pearl earrings, matching the rest of her jewelry, were also adorned with pearls and diamonds, adding to the overall shimmer of her look.
Katherine completed her ensemble with a new clutch by Jenny Packham, the Belle style, adding a subtle contrast to the light blue gown. She also wore one of the diamond bracelets we have seen at previous state dinners, and her shoes—a pair of silver Jimmy Choo stilettos—further heightened the elegance of her outfit, blending beautifully with her icy blue attire and sparkling accessories.
Every detail of her look was carefully curated to achieve a flawless royal appearance. As the cameras captured her walking into the banquet hall, Catherine was the epitome of royal glamour. The combination of the Alexander McQueen gown and the Lover’s Knot tiara exuded sophistication, while her stunning jewelry choices elevated the look to a level of formality that left a lasting impression.
With news of her recovery from chemotherapy, many are speculating about Princess Katherine’s future fashion moments as she steps back into the spotlight. Her anticipated return to public duties at the end of 2024 is expected to be nothing short of spectacular.
Recently, Princess Katherine and Prince William stepped out together as they joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at church this morning. The Prince and Princess of Wales attended alongside the King and Queen, just two weeks after Katherine confirmed she had finished her course of preventative chemotherapy.
