Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton looked stunning with her husband Prince William when she attended the first State Banquet for President Xi Jingping of China and his wife Madame Peng Oct. 20 at Buckingham Palace.
The Duchess wore a stunning red Jenny Packham gown with diamond earrings and a bracelet. But the most notable accent of the night was the Lotus Flower Tiara loaned to her from the Queen. Adorned with pearls and diamonds, the tiara, also known as the Papyrus Tiara, was last worn by Middleton at the Diplomatic Reception in 2013. Last night's bash was only the third time she has worn a tiara, according to ABC News.
Almost 130 guests were present during the glamorous occasion in honor of the Chinese president. The queen considers the event a personal one and even verified the settings and tables, according to the International Business Times.
HM takes great personal interest in the State Banquet preparation-checking every detail from the menu to the flowers pic.twitter.com/1sqkdKnQjT
— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) October 20, 2015
The seating arrangement required the royal couple to be apart. Kate was between President Xi on her left, next to him was the Queen, and His Excellency Wang Huning was on her other side. Prince William sat three seats away from the 89-year-old queen. Prince Philip was the one next to the Chinese president's wife, according to People.
Cheers! #ChinaStateVisit pic.twitter.com/a5StClMWZW — British Royal News (@UKRoyalNews) October 20, 2015
During Queen Elizabeth's 63-year reign, this was the 110th state visit she has hosted, reported Time.
