I’ve been covering State Banquets for years – these are the 3 details in Kate Middleton’s gorgeous green outfit that are most intriguing

We all know the royals send messages with their outfits but did you spot each of these important elements?

Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive to attend a State Banquet in St George's Hall (Image credit: Photo by Aron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Even before I set eyes on the Princess of Wales’s State Banquet outfit on 18th March, I knew that it was going to be a masterclass in story-telling. Stepping out at the event to honour Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu she dressed in an emerald green gown by Andrew Gn and the late Princess Diana’s go-to, the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot tiara.

Kate has always paid tribute to the visiting nation through her clothing and jewellery at State Banquets and this time she also included some details that said a lot about her own royal role. There were three elements that stood out to me most, starting with the colour palette.

Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives to attend a State Banquet in 2026

(Image credit: Photo by Aron Chown – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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The frock had a pleated skirt that gave it a lovely drape and the high neckline and long-sleeves were flowy and feminine. She could’ve gone for emerald jewellery to match, though the pearl tiara was something even more classic and incorporated a pop of white to go alongside the green.

However, Kate’s court heels did perfectly coordinate with her gown and they’re the second interesting detail that struck me. She’s owned these green satin Manolo Blahnik shoes for several years and you might recognise them as the first time we glimpsed the heels was in her first ever joint official portrait with Prince William.

It’s now on display at Peterborough Cathedral and the shoes are featured prominently, as the Princess opted for a midi-length Vampire’s Wife dress for the portrait. This was a huge moment for the couple and the final image feels so regal and definitely captured a sense of the couple being the future of the monarchy.

I think it’s interesting she re-wore them to the State Banquet as it harks back to this milestone and its associations. Then there’s the third key detail – the Princess of Wales’s hairstyle. She wore her brunette hair in waves with the tiara secured neatly behind her ears, leaving face-framing pieces loose.