Kate Middleton glows in gold lace gown and Lover’s Knot tiara at Windsor state banquet

WINDSOR, ENGLAND: Princess Kate Middleton made a bold style statement on September 17, 2025, at the state banquet at Windsor Castle in honor of President Donald Trump’s second UK state visit.

Her look was a mix of tradition, regality, and personal symbolism: a gold gown layered with Chantilly lace, the famed Lover’s Knot tiara, royal honors and understated glamour. It quickly became one of the most talked-about ensembles of the evening.

Kate Middleton's Phillipa Lepley’s gold lace coat gown steals the show

Kate wore a custom creation by British designer Phillipa Lepley: a full-length silk crepe gown in gold, topped by a hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace evening coat.

The coat featured floral motifs, gold corded detailing and satin-stitched blooms that glimmered under Windsor’s lights.

The high neckline and long sleeves added classic elegance, while the drape and cut preserved movement, Kate let the gown speak with refined restraint.

Kate Middleton looks gorgeous in the Lover’s Knot tiara and heirloom jewelry 

Crowning the look was Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, diamonds and pearls in bow shapes with drop pearls, once favored by Princess Diana. Kate also wore heirloom earrings belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II, along with the Royal Family Orders of both King Charles III and the late Queen.

A blue sash and the star of the Royal Victorian Order completed her regalia, reinforcing the gravity and tradition behind the evening’s formal dress code.

Kate Middleton styled her hair in soft waves and had minimal accessories to match

Her hairstyle was loose, newly “bronde” tresses falling in soft waves beneath the tiara. Makeup was subdued yet radiant: warm gold eye tones, soft rose lips, a glowing base.

She carried no heavy necklaces letting the earrings, sash and tiara take center stage. Every detail, even down to the drop earrings and clutch, was chosen to complement the golden lace theme without overwhelming it.

Fashion echo: Kate Middleton channels Diana once more

This wasn’t the first time Kate has worn the Lover’s Knot tiara. It remains her most frequent tiara choice for state banquets and diplomatic dinners. Kate also wore the tiara this past June, at the state banquet celebrating the French state visit.

At the dinner its legacy resonated deeply, recalling Diana’s many appearances in it.

The dazzling headpiece, adorned with 19 arches and 28 drop-shaped pearls, was originally crafted in 1914 for Queen Mary before being passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, Town & Country reports.

According to the Court Jeweller, when Queen Mary commissioned the piece, she "sacrificed a tiara from her own jewelry collection, the Ladies of England Tiara, to make it."

In fact, in 1981, the Queen reportedly loaned the Lover's Knot Tiara to Princess Diana as a wedding gift.

Following Diana's death in 1997, the tiara was returned and kept in the Buckingham Palace, however, the tiara wasn't seen publicly until 2015, when Kate wore it to much fanfare at a reception at Buckingham Palace.

Style watchers noted the return of this classic piece after Kate’s break from public life during 2024 for cancer treatment and her announcement of remission earlier this year.

The gown’s lace, the tiara’s pearls, the royal sash, all elements that tie past and present.

Kate Middleton charms Internet with her 'effortless' style 

Online, fans were quick to praise Kate’s banquet ensemble. On Instagram and X, comments like “Diana’s spirit lives on” and “Kate is radiant” dominated.

Fashion magazines compared her lace overlay to past golden gowns; bloggers dissected satin stitch detail, coat silhouette, and how the Lover’s Knot framed her face. Many highlighted how the look felt both modern and deeply respectful of royal tradition.

One user on X commented, "The thing about the Princess of Wales is that she's always stunning & somehow you just don't expect that she can get any better, but she does get better & better! And it all looks so effortless & so spectacular! Takes your breath away!"

Another added, "My God, Princess Catherine shines, she has one of the most glamorous and elegant looks. How beautiful, everything was thought out to the last detail, and she is very happy < absolutely stunning."

One person wrote, "So stunning The perfect representation of a modern monarchy."

Someone else said, "Wow! they look so regal!"

Another reaction read, ”This gown is one of the most beautiful garments I’ve ever seen. Otherworldly."

As another pointed out, ”Do we think The Princess of Wales might be lent a different tiara to wear at some point? I do like The Cambridge Lover’s Knot, but she’d look fabulous in many others. Her dress was a total knockout."

Another added, ”Wow, Catherine has knocked it out of the park with this dress. She looks like a Queen already. Stunning!" 

Someone else said, ”Wow as President Trump said this morning: ‘You are beautI full, so beautifu’. You too Prince William very handsome."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online