German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, accompanied by his wife, Elke Büdenbender, is currently in the UK for a State Visit. In the evening, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a State Banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of the German President and First Lady. The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence attended the banquet.
Queen Camilla wore a green lace gown by Fiona Clare, paired with the Girls of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Tiara, diamond earrings, the Greville Emerald Necklace and the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany sash. Created by Garrard in 1893, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara was worn by Queen Elizabeth II on numerous occasions.
The Princess of Wales wore a Jenny Packham gown and Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara — a piece she had never worn before. She also wore earrings from the late Queen, the Royal Family Order and the GCVO Sash and Star.
One of the most important Victorian-era jewels in the Royal Collection, the Oriental Circlet is also one of the oldest pieces created by Garrard for the Royal Family. The tiara originally contained opals. However, when Queen Elizabeth II inherited it, she wore the tiara only once during her reign — during a visit to Malta in 2005.
I don't ever comment on any British state visit posts, but I was excited for this one.
ردحذفWe have a tiara debut from the Princess of Wales!!! The Oriental Circlet looks beautiful on her, I wish the tiara would be used more often. The British Royal Family should do tiara sharing more often, they have a big enough collection to do so. Her whole look at tonight's banquet is a 10/10 for me. She is giving Anastasia vibes with that dress.
The rest of the royal ladies look fabulous. I really liked how most of them went with darker colored gowns.
the tiara looks do big on her small head!
حذفthe dresses were so predictable, the ladies have all worn these dresses in different colours before.
It’s lovely to see the Oriental Circlet. If only Catherine had worn her hair in an updo that balanced the size of this tiara. Her narrow hanging hair looks odd with it, as if the tiara is tilting and about to fall off. Her gown is beautiful. The standout to me is Sophie—her hair is down but is styled to work beautifully with the aquamarine tiara. Stunning necklace and nice makeup.
حذفThat giant tiara is sliding off of her head. Also I think her gown is not martching with it.
حذف@02:08 Predictable dresses: Oh yes. A beach dress or a pinafore could have been really refreshing *yawn* - but no, they keep wearing their gala gowns for state dinners ...
حذفPictures are not clear, but it looks as if the sleeves of Pr Anne were different. Anyway for me she is wearing an inelegant outfit, I feel she has better than that on her closet.
حذفAll the other ladies are nicely dressed.
At "Anonymous4/12/25 02:08," I totally agree with you. In my opinion the tiara looks too "beauty pageant" on Catherine especially with her hair down. This is probably one of the reasons the late queen only wore it once.
حذفThey all look fantastic! What a beautiful dress on Kate. I love these tiaras, wish we could see a close-up of Sophie's.
ردحذفDamsel Dragonfly
Head over to „the Courtjeweller“ who covers all the royal bling bling. Highlight recommended and very interesting! What this Blog is for royal fashion, the courtjeweller is for royal jewelry.
حذفCarina
Like Camilla's green dress with the emeralds.
ردحذفCatherine's dress would have been better without the cape.
Kim
Camilla can wear a tiara! And it’s nice to see more opening of the vaults. They need a foundation like other monarchies. Also wish Catherine would wear both family orders although she does like a streamlined look
ردحذفCamilla ROCKS the big tiaras, no doubt about that. Catherine is wearing a stunning tiara, but she can't quite pull it off - it's too big for her & it's lopsided & not lined up properly with the center of her nose. If her tiara person can't get it perfect, then I guess it's best to try a different tiara. ~~Ruthie
حذفNow this is really 10/10 for the Princess of Wales, the Jenny Packham is, as in most cases, beautiful on her and the she puts the Oriental Circlet Tiara on her head for the first time after the Late Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, so of German origin (that's why she chose it today) designed it for his wife, Queen Victoria, a tiara from the depth of glorious times. - I don't really like capes, they cover up otherwise beautiful dresses - I cannot see them as part of the dress. But the overall impression is really beautiful. - Don't see the details of Sophie's gown, but she looks overall quite beautiful today. The part of her shoes that are slightly visible give me an ungood premonition of being chunky ... ? I think I don't want to see more of them.
ردحذفOh no! Now you have said that about Sophie’s shoes, you’ve spoiled her outfit for me! On a more positive note, the Princess of wales is simply stunning ( thanks for the info about the tiara): Queen Camilla and the Duchess of Gloucester look great and Princess Anne looks like Princess Anne
حذفSophie is wearing LK Bennett Glitter Sledge Pumps. They have a platform, so are dated.
حذفI don't mind that shoes are dated if they fit the occasion well, but these are simply too chunky and too chunky for this really beautiful gown. But thank goodness it was a long gown so the overall look is really good, because the gown is this time really well chosen und beautiful So many women look better in simple design ...
حذفI like the asymmetrical neckline of Catherine’s dress, and it’s also great to see her wearing a different tiara. It looks like the tiara was not affixed securely enough to her hair and tilted askew; hopefully this will not deter her from trying again with it. It’s a beautiful tiara.
ردحذفSophie’s hair looks lovely. I do wish she hadn’t mixed wearing her aquamarine tiara with jewelry with sapphires; they don’t look quite right together to me.
The Duchess of Gloucester looks phenomenal. Simple, elegant dress and gorgeous jewels she wears so well.
I commend Anne’s commitment to rewearing clothes - but maybe this particular outfit should be retired now.
I don’t really like Camilla’s dress. I’m not sure why - maybe the lace texture on that particular color green. It is festive looking, though.
-Royal Watcher
I was looking forward to this State Dinner, but it fell flat.
ردحذفCamilla - I love the Grenville emerald necklace, but think it would have married better with the Grenville emerald tiara. Unfortunately the dress isn’t the shame shade as the emeralds so I wonder if a diamond necklace would have been a better option.
Catherine - I was really hoping for an updo for a tiara event. This trend of leaving the hair down only started after the passing of QE2. The tiara looks lob sided on her. Obviously it has been fitted for head. Too much gaping on either side. This particular tiara needed an updo hairstyle. Her dress though a lovely color, is in the vein of her previous dresses. Long and caped. I was looking at photos of Catherine at previous State Dinners, especially the first Trump visit, and her hair & make up was exquisite. Tonight doesnt come close.
Sophie has joined the ranks of wearing her hair loose. I do wish she had access to the royal vaults. Though her Wessex tiara is lovely it would make a pleasant change to see her wear something else. I would have worn a choker rather than the necklace, as you can barely see it viewed due to the style of the dress.
DoG - She saved the day. Her red dress hair makeup and tiara are on point and elegant.
Anne- She’s probably had this in her closet for years,and it sits perfectly on her.
Overall I think it was not the best of choices. But that’s just my humble opinion.
Lowri.
I love the German First Lady’s dress. The Duchess of Gloucester looks great. I like Sophie’s dress a lot, but those shoes should have been left in the early 2000s or a different event. This is a better dress than usual for me on Sophie. The other dresses. Uh! Princess Anne and the old standby. Camilla? Oh! The Girls of Great Britain looks larger on her. I’m not a fan of it on her and I love that tiara. The best thing on the POW is that tiara. I love the Circlet. I don’t like the way it’s being worn. I was shocked to see it. I want to see it with a proper updo although her hair looks good tonight. It looks straight in the picture at “home”, but crooked after all the walking. The dress is a miss for me. My tree is much nicer.😏 The photo is good, but I wish I had a closeup of the DofGlou.
ردحذفMy thoughts exactly…the First Lady and DOG look fantastic. Not much positive to say about the rest.
حذفMy thoughts as well
حذفYes, doesn't the First lady look splendid! I love the velvet fabric and color of her gown. The sleeves are interesting, different I like them adding interest to this gown. She looks beautiful. I'd love to know more about her necklace!
حذفI don’t like the Windsor uniform either. William looks thrilled. The tradition is nice though.
ردحذفLots of mirth in these photos, how lovely . Catherine being delighted in this regal outfit is wonderful. The dress is very beautiful and the cape is beautifully and softly integrated. It is more regal I think with the cape sleeves than it otherwise would have been. I would have loved to see her hair up for this crown. Her hair does look brilliant with it, but I’ll always be in favour of long hair up when a tiara is on the head. Hoping we will see her in it much more often - and that Sophie too might have different tiaras in the future. Would have loved to attend this event!
ردحذفI am happy to discover that it is not a full cape, only cape sleeves. So if we could see her from behind, we would have a complete view ... wow that would be nice.
حذفI don't like Kate's dress too blingy; the cape doesn't suit it, the tiara was actually crooked on her head. I do like Sophie's dress and tiara; also Anne looks good. Camilla looks good ;dress colour good and the suit of jewels she is wearing, looks beautiful. William looks good(Tara)
ردحذفI agree! Too many sequins and too glittery. It makes the dress look cheap. And the cape is incongruous with the dress. They don't flow together. Sophies' gown was nice but I give the best dressed trophy to the German First Lady.
حذفAbsolutely love the Duchess of Gloucester’s red gown, the perfect elegant background for her always-perfect jewels.
ردحذفMrs Cleaver
Agree !!
حذفI find once again that Brigitte looks most regal. Followed by Sophie. The other royal ladies wear bigger tiaras and more history-imbued bling, but beyond being shiny and eye catching, they don’t impress me much. Lots of shine, not a lot of class.
ردحذفFrau B can do (and has done) better. I understand her propensity for simple outfits, but this dress leaves a lot to be desired. It lacks lustre - for a state dinner.
You can’t miss the chatter about the Wales’ prematurely posted photo (again), wonder if they feel it’s the only way to assert themselves as more than second fiddle?
CH
My favorite gown is Elke Büdenbender's. It is classy and chic. I love the sleeve detail in particular.
ردحذفI was a little disappointed that Catherine is wearing another cape dress. I think I would have liked more it a few years ago when it was a newer style for her. Sadly, her tiara is crooked. I watched the video of the state dinner to be sure before saying anything. I think her hair is styled too casually for the gown. From behind, her hair is completely covering her back and is a distraction from the details of the gown. It is a treat to see a new tiara.
Camilla's gown looks too much like her usual dresses and gowns to get terribly excited about it. I like Sophie's gown. From what I can see, it is well fitted to her and is very becoming. I don't care for her shoes. I would have preferred navy shoes to match her dress. Of the royal women, I like the Duchess of Gloucester's gown the most. It has an effortless sophistication about it. Styles like this don't look dated, only classic.
Why do you think the tiara is crooked? The placement (if it is really not in the middle) can be a conscious decision, and not a necessarily wrong one. There are enough mirrors and people around her to correct any mishap beforehand. -
حذفI don't think the tiara is crooked, IT IS crooked. I don't know everything, so please direct me to some photos of times when tiaras were purposely worn off to one side instead of being centered on the head. I thought about how it could have been straightened, and after watching the video with a few hundred people at a long banquet table, her leaving the room to have it fixed would have drawn more attention than leaving it alone, especially since she was sitting next to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier--and next to him, Charles. She was in an impossible situation. By the way, I am not the only one who has mentioned that her tiara was crooked. See the comments above and below.
حذف@10:22 - A lot of us think the tiara is crooked because, yes, IT IS CROOKED.
حذفHere are two photos as proof:
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/12/04/10/104435765-15352147-image-m-17_1764843417515.jpg
https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/12/04/10/104435769-15352147-image-a-18_1764843426018.jpg
Catherine should've worn her hair up to provide some support to this huge tiara that is too big for her head. Camilla could really wear this tiara well.
~~Ruthie
Catherine looks beautiful, though this gown does not appeal to me, too much glitter, I think.
ردحذفThe Queen looks lovely the diamond and emerald necklace is beautiful.
My favorite here is the Duchess of Gloucester. Her understated gown, I love, very elegant Her jewels are perfection. The tiara is my favorite. The gown understated gives the jewels a wonderful canvas to shine on their own.
Surprised they released the photo of the tiara so obviously crooked.
ردحذفWhat a fantastic evening! All members of the royal family are in attendance. A picture-perfect line-up. The atmosphere is festive and relaxed. Beautiful photos of the Queen – I have rarely seen her so relaxed. And Princess Kate – wow! Perfect as always, but this time her crown is particularly breathtaking. The Federal President and his wife also know how to please. As a German citizen, I am delighted and honoured, and I hope that the relationship between our countries will continue to grow stronger.
ردحذفAnne
Catherine - amazing look: dress, tiara, everything.
ردحذفSophie - navy suits her wonderfully.
Duchess of Gloucester - beautiful simple lines of the dress and a wonderful color for her. She is a 79 year old lady and her figure is incredible - slim, straight.
Mrs. Budenbender - beautiful! The velvet and sleeves of the dress are so elegant. Also the hair and necklace.
Stephanie
Everyone is looking fabulous; Catherine is magnificent and clearly the star of the evening, but I’m giving “First Runner-Up” to Elke Budenbender, who looks stunningly elegant. Her gown, with its simple lines and beautiful, unusual sleeves, fits her to perfection, and she has superb posture and poise.
ردحذفalle Damen sehen gut aus. Das schönste Kleid des Abends trägt mMn Frau Büdenbender. Der opulente, tannengrüne Samt, die sanften Raffungen, die raffinierten Ärmel mit dem kontrastierenden Satin - einfach perfekt! Weiß jemand von welchem Designer das Kleid ist? Kates Jenny Packham Kleid ist schön, aber bisher konnte noch keines ihrer zahlreichen Cape-Kleider an das goldene von der Bond Premiere heranreichen..
ردحذفI do agree on the assessment about the golden "Bond Girl" dress. Unrivaled as of yet.
حذفI agree.
حذفPrincess Catherine is looking very beautiful in the blue Jenny Packham dress. I like the cape style, it creates a bit more volume. The tiara is a stunning piece of jewelry on itself but I am afraid I cannot like it on the princess, because it is really too big for her head. The red stones (ruby ?) do not match the blue of her dress either. Love her hairstyle, it is a good change for the updo she always has when wearing a tiara.
ردحذفThe other royal ladies who are dressed very beautiful and sophisticated are the Duchess of Gloucester, Duchess Sophie (lucky she wore her hair not in a low knot).
I also like the dress of Mrs Elke Büdenbender, especially the sleeves and the cut of the dress.
Anonyme 07 : 20, comme vous je pense que le diadème de la princesse de Galles ne va pas avec la couleur de sa robe, mais je suppose que c'était un clin d'oeil aux couleurs du drapeau britannique. Paloma.
حذفFully agree with the comments. I would have liked a half-updo on Catherine, it is a pity to hide those beautiful earrings. The tiara also seems to be threatening to slide off her head. Beautiful pre-party picture of the Prince and Princess of Wales!
حذفToutes ces dames sont élégantes même si je préfère la duchesse de Gloucester dans sa robe rouge aux lignes parfaites qui lui donnent une magnifique silhouette ; comme d’habitude, elle a su très bien choisir ses bijoux !
ردحذفA second post, Catherine: I think this is one of the occasions that I don't mind at all that she does not have an updo. The tiara is really huge und she needs substantial hair - not necessarily behind the tiara, but at the side of her head. And wearing her hair down does exactly this - gives her face and head the width that the tiara has. Camilla does the same with her wide hair to the side of her face and head. Just look how beautifully balanced this big tiara is coming over! and I am one of the commenters who is fed up with long hair worn open - but this is an exception, so the scheme "tiara + updo" is just not generally valid. - The other remark: her gown has a kind of wide skirt, gathered at the waist - not too much width, but just enough, and very attractive on her. I only wish that silly cape away ... but OK.
ردحذفMa préférence pour la robe de Mme Büdenbender, pour le velours et les manches. Difficile de bien voir la couleur, peut-être bleu nuit, mais sur un autre site elle semble vert foncé.
ردحذفReine Camilla : le motif à ramages me fait penser à un tissu d'ameublement, dommage. Elle a de plus belles robes qui lui vont mieux (blanches ou bleues).
Princesse de Galles : elle a déjà plusieurs robes bleues à paillettes (portées une seule fois), donc pourquoi encore une robe de même style qui restera ensuite au placard. La forme cape est lassante, du déjà vu et revu. Le diadème fait un peu statue de la liberté et semble trop grand pour elle, presque prêt à tomber. J'aurais préféré un chignon ou une partie des cheveux attachés en arrière. Sa pochette ne va pas avec la robe.
Princesse Anne : cette tenue ne l'avantage pas du tout et ressemble presque à une robe de chambre (et froissée).
Duchesse d'Edimbourg : un peu déçue par cette robe très sombre, noire ou bleu foncé. Elle est plus belle avec du blanc.
Duchesse de Gloucester : belle robe, autant la ligne que la couleur parfaite pour les fêtes. Sa pochette est ravissante.
Enfin j'aimerais (mais c'est impossible hélas) ne plus jamais voir de rubans et de médailles sur les robes du soir.
Paloma.
J’ai une nette préférence pour les robes portées par l’épouse du président et la reine Camilla. Mention spéciale à l’épouse du président pour cette belle robe.
ردحذفLa robe de la reine est d’une belle couleur. De même, ses bijoux sont somptueux, couronne incluse.
Je n’apprécie pas la robe de la princesse de Galles, encore moins la manière dont sa couronne est coiffée.
-Astrid.
Catherine, the fairytale-princess!
ردحذفThere is no doubt that in this old story, the winner is Mrs. Elke Büdenbender. Irene
ردحذفLove Madame Budenbender’s dress, elegant and sophisticated, surprisingly I admire and think Princess Anne looks beautiful and appreciate her reusing clothes that still look great on her, Sophie looks lovely, the queen looks dumpy, that dress does nothing for her and she is wearing too much jewelry and what is going on with her face? P Kate’s dress looks cheap and too sparkly which takes away from that gorgeous crown which looks as if it’s way too heavy for her. Just like all the rest of the posts that is my honest opinion, you don’t t have to like it, just respect it, Rem
ردحذفThere's really little not to like here. I was expecting HM Queen Camilla to wear the GoGB&I tiara. Also, not many surprises about TRHs The Princess Royal, The Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duchess of Gloucester. But to see the Oriental Circlet was, however, a more than pleasant surprise. Crooked or not, I don't bl**dy care when the re-appearance of this exquisit piece with deep German connections makes me just deliriously happy. 'nuff said. I strongly suspect that this might be Catherine, The Princess of Wales', secret strategy. Wear her go-to QM's Lovers Knot tiara three, four times in a row, until people moan about the predictability, and then suddenly bust out something entirely different and unexpected. Next time, YRH, please think of Maria Feodorovna's Sapphire Bandeau, should you plan another surprise! Thank you ever so much.
ردحذفI would love to see her in a bandeau. Great suggestion!
حذفAt Talbot Runhof they must be celebrating - first Catherine wore that spectacular beautiful dark green dress at the royal variety performance and now Ms. Büdenbender wears a dress of the german designers!
ردحذفI love the Princess of Wales’ gown she looks amazing. However I’m not a fan őt her tiara and hairstyle. I mean the tiara is nice but the styling is wrong. It looks like is falling off of her head. Also I don’t like the hairstyle, an updo would be more elegant in my opinion. For some reason I never like the princess’ hairstyle when she is wearing a tiara even though she has so much potential. I think she needs a better stylist or hairdresser for these occasions. Larina
ردحذفThe Princess of Wales should have worn her hair pinned up. It is wonderful to see that tiara but it was not well placed and if the off centre positioning was deliberate then that is just silly. The Duchess of Gloucester is the most elegant of the royal ladies!
ردحذفOh lord. That tiara is way too big for her head.
ردحذفI like the dress of mrs Steinmeier and that of the DoG. They both look nice. QC’s dress looks like it has been made of some old curtains. And in my opinion the total look of the PoW is too ‘busy, it ‘screams’ pageant style. To much glitter, would be nicer it the glitter was less heavy on the lower part ( bit of fading out), and a typical wonky tiara ( so often seen on freshly crowned misses … ). Not sure if the color suits the PoW either.
حذفI agree. I also think the hairstyle chosen is wrong for this tiara is all wrong and emphasizes the problem with the tiara. I read on another blog that this tiara is large in terms of its circumference and gave both the late Queen and the Queen Mother fits in terms of styling before they both found a hairstyle and placement that worked. I appreciate Catherine wearing this and I hope to see her try it again but I hope she chooses a more voluminous updo to deal with size issue because I think it can look amazing on her. Janet
حذفThe ladies of the BRF did a fabulous job--all look beautiful, all brought out the bling, and all wore beautiful gowns. I love how many of the jewels used on Day 1 had a connection to Prince Albert--this was a man who knew how design jewelry, My winner of best of everything is the Duchess of Gloucester--absolutely perfect in every aspect. I was fortunate enough to see her tiara at the V&A exhibit and it is a total gobsmacker! The First Lady of Germany was also dressed beautifully--very chic gown. Wowza--Catherine plucked out a new tiara from the vault! While it needs some better styling it is fabulous to see her play around with something new and different. Sophie looks lovely and elegant--I wish she would could have more tiara options but perhaps she is comfortable with what she has. Queen Camilla seems to make contents of the vault more available so there are a few tiaras that I think would look good on Sophie--the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau comes immediately to mind. I also like that Anne and Sophie came in together with the husbands walking in together behind them--nice bit of change. Anyone know why the Wales came in behind the Edinburghs? I had thought the Wales would follow the King and Queen with their guests.
ردحذفJanet
PS J’adore les émeraudes
ردحذفmais selon mon goût, j’aurais bien aimé voir que des diamants sur le collier
de Camilla afin que cela équilibre avec son diadème !
Photos 5 and 6 are the best photos I have seen of Queen Camilla. Her warmth really shows through and her eyes sparkle.
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