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Duchess Sophie’s Dazzling State Banquet Tiara Was a Subtle Nod to Kate Middleton

Princess Catherine was clearly not forgotten

Duchess Sophie CAT2
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Although Kate Middleton, who has taken a step back from the public eye as she continues undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer, couldn’t attend last night’s State Banquet, she wasn’t forgotten amongst the members of the British royal family

According to People, Duchess Sophie stood out in a gorgeous forest green gown with a dazzling pear-shaped diamond drop suite necklace that previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. But the real star of the show was the Lotus Flower tiara she wore, which just so happens to be one of Princess Catherine’s favorite tiaras to wear. 

Duchess Sophie State Banquet CAT
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This is the first time ever that the Duchess of Edinburgh, 59, has worn the beautiful tiara in public. Per People, the Lotus Flower tiara was previously given to Princess Catherine to wear to the 2022 Diplomatic Corps reception held at Buckingham Palace. At the time, the Princess of Wales rocked the shimmery tiara with a stunning red beaded gown designed by Jenny Packham.

Kate Middleton 2022 Diplomatic Corps CAT
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However, this is not the only royal accessory to make its debut at the State Banquet dinner. Last night, Queen Camilla, 76, wore the new Family Order, which was bestowed upon her by her husband, King Charles. Her Majesty wore a portrait of the monarch, which showed King Charles wearing the uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet. In addition, the portrait is surrounded by a diamond and gold frame with a tiny gold and enamel Tudor crown on top. 

Queen Camilla also wore Queen Elizabeth's Family Order, which was given to her in 2007. In November 2023, Princess Catherine attended the annual State Banquet wearing Queen Elizabeth's Family Order, made out of an animal-friendly material that deviates from royal tradition (Orders used to be made out of ivory). 

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This year’s State Banquet was truly a memorable night for the royal family—and dazzling royal accessories. 


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Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment

Karelle McKay is the Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment at PureWow. Before she started writing about all things pop culture, she was a literal couch potato who loved...