Kate Middleton went back a few seasons in designer Andrew Gn‘s collections for her Nigerian State Banquet look on Wednesday night in England’s Windsor Castle.
The Princess of Wales styled a flowing dress from the Paris-based couturier’s fall 2021 collection. The gown incorporated both traditional and modern elements, sartorially articulating Middleton’s own position in the British royal family.
(L-R) Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Kate Middleton and Prince William.
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The dress featured a high neckline and voluminous balloon sleeves cinched at the wrists. A defined waist refined the gown’s silhouette, while the skirt featured a flowing style for ease of movement. Some fabric ruching featured on the bodice, and green was the color scheme the Princess of Wales chose — harkening back to her Tuesday McQueen coat rewear for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Apart from the dress, Middleton carried a Jenny Packham clutch in shimmering silver and wore a pair of green satin Manolo Blahnik pumps. Her jewelry was a mix of sentimental statements. Along with a blue sash, worn for official state banquets, the Princess of Wales added the King Charles Royal Family Order, which has been incorporated into her state banquet attire since King Charles III ascended the throne.
(L-R) Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Kate Middleton and Prince William.
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Middleton also wore the Queen Mother’s sapphire and diamond earrings, which hail from a suite that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II’s mother. The finishing touch was the Lovers Knot tiara, which was commissioned by Queen Mary in the early 20th century and crafted by Garrard.
The Lovers Knot tiara is a favorite of Middleton’s, and she’s worn the piece for previous state banquets. Featuring a mix of diamonds and pearls, the tiara was also a preferred piece of the late Princess Diana, who was given the tiara in 1981 by Queen Elizabeth II. Diana wore the tiara on several high-profile royal occasions throughout her time as a member of the British royal family, before she and then-Prince Charles divorced in 1996.
Kate Middleton
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Andrew Gn is a new designer Middleton has incorporated into her state banquet style rotation. In years past, the Princess of Wales has worn designs by McQueen, Jenny Packham and Givenchy, among others.
President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s state visit marks a historic moment for the African country. The official state visit is the first to the United Kingdom by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
