On Tuesday, 22 November 2022, Kate Middleton made her first black-tie appearance as Princess of Wales. To honour the president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, King Charles III hosted a state dinner at Buckingham Palace. There were more than 150 invited, but the most eye-catching of all was the newly titled Princess of Wales, Catherine Elizabeth Middleton. Kate wore Princess Diana’s “Lover’s Knot tiara”, as well as the late Queen’s pearl bracelet, the “Royal Victorian Order” for working royals and the  “Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II” for women of the British monarchy. For the occasion, HRH, the Princess of Wales, wore a new custom gown from Jenny Packham. The dress is composed of a sinuous and enveloping mermaid model with cape sleeves, a boat neckline and padded shoulder straps decorated with a cascade of beads and sparkling crystals. 

For the morning meeting, Kate also wore a burgundy dress from Emilia Wickstead that she had recently added to her collection. It is very unusual for her to show off two new dresses on the same day, but we can speculate that she wanted to make a lasting impression as Princess of Wales. She even accessorised the day outfit with the Princess of Wales Feather Brooch, rendering this the first time she’s worn the jewellery piece since she received the title. The pendant has been worn by many royals holding the title of Princess of Wales. Kate also paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing her Collingwood Pearl Earrings. 

Kate Middleton is a masterclass in elegance and flawless in her bearing, knowing exactly when to talk, what to do and how to act in front of guests. It was undoubtedly one of the most glamorous displays by a member of the Royal Family and most definitely one for the history books.