Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman is on a three-day state visit to the United Kingdom. On the evening of 20 October 2026, King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted a state banquet in honour of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said of Oman in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the state banquet in honour of the Sultan of Oman.
For the occasion, Queen Camilla wore a purple chiffon gown by Fiona Clare, accessorised with the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, Kent Amethyst Earrings, an amethyst necklace and the Queen Mother’s Cartier bracelets.
The Princess of Wales wore a cape-style gown by Lebanese designer Elie Saab, paired with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, the Greville Diamond Chandelier Earrings and Queen Mary’s Diamond Choker Bracelet.
The Princess Royal wore Princess Andrew’s Meander Tiara, along with the sash and star of the Order of the Garter. The Duchess of Gloucester wore the Gloucester Honeysuckle Tiara, a pink kunzite and topaz necklace, and diamond earrings.
Catherine needs a hairdo makeover.
ReplyDeleteTrue
DeleteAgreed
DeleteCatherine really does not need a hair “makeover”, whatever that is. Her hair is beautiful and healthy and glamourous. It should be enough, as women, that we allow each other to have the hair we have, to let each other be as they are and not criticise something as personal as hair.
DeleteShe could have worn a nice updo it would have looked better.
DeleteShe sure does, this style just elongates her face.
DeleteNo, it is healthy and beautiful just the way it is.
DeleteYes, this has been mentioned on other state dinners. for a tiara this big, it needs a hairdo.
DeleteBreaking news from the Hair Police: the hair *makeover*!
DeleteUhh?
Absolutely. This isn’t even a “style”. And it’s a pitty, she is otherwise pretty
DeleteCamilla and the D.O.G. look amazing.
ReplyDeleteAnne looks pretty good and the fabric in her gown is really interesting.
I dont think Catherine's gown is a good color on her and for some reason the style seems aging.
Janet
Catherine is 44, a mature woman. For her age, she’s in phenomenal shape and the gown is ethereal, stunning. I don’t see it ageing? - she looks incredible.
DeleteI agree on the Duchess of Gloucester looking amazing. I'd switch Camilla for Anne.The color nor the style of the POW's dress was good.
DeleteI agree yellow, is not the best colour for Catherine
Delete@Janet, I agree. The light yellow is too pale for POW and I believe that this yellow looks good only on a summer day. DOG looks fabulous as she almost always does. -Mirella
DeleteAre the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh away?
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess was at the gift giving and lunch earler in the day.
DeleteI don’t understand Catherine’s eye for fashion. In the last few state dinners she’s attended her choices have all been chiffon floaty dresses with caped sleeves. In this instance she chose a bright yellow that would have been more fitting to a Spring or Summer state dinner. I also am disappointed at her hair. If you’re at a dinner etiquette should dictate your long hair be up and out of the way. I also found her make up lacking. It looked like the same make up she wore during the day. Since the passing of QE2 I feel Catherine’s has dropped in standard. When QE2 was alive, Catherine would have her hair neatly styled and out of her face. It’s difficult being critical of Catherine because I’m aware she’s gone through a traumatic health battle. But, with her duties having been reduced I’d have hoped that on days/nights such as this, she could bring a little more effort to the event.
ReplyDeleteFor me Princess Anne was the standout. Her dressed perfectly suited her. Her choice of tiara didn’t compete with her gown. She chose a pop of color on her lips to give it an evening looks
Duchess of Gloucester always brings her A game. The dress we’ve seen a few times looks lovely against her choice of jewellery.
Queen Camilla choice of necklace was puzzling as it neither matched her dress nor the tiara. However the royal blue was lovely flattering color on her.
After watching Queen Mary of Denmark’s triumphant ensemble last night, I was hoping to see a similar vision of thought and attention to detail from the PoW. Catherine could certainly benefit from taking a leaf out of Mary’s book.
Lowri.
Well said!!
DeleteSprung and summer colours just really aren’t a thing in Europe - or perhaps anywhere except the US Lowri. We have no rules on colour! I absolutely love her outfit and in a dark room as the final pictures show, find her colour choice perfect, bringing light. You criticise her hair, her makeup, her effort, her standard, and her fashion choices … while I love them all. I really think you just have other preferences - which is fine! - but Catherine hasn’t got any of it wrong, it’s just not what you would wear or what you like. She has clearly made a huge effort to show up so polished though, I don’t think criticism is valid on that point.
DeleteI think Catherine has knocked it out of the park. She looks absolutely sensationally. My first thought was, wow, how does she do this every time, when everyone else looks great, she rises to a whole new level of glamour and beauty.
No QEII standard is dropped here!
anon 2:25 das Catherine ständig alle anderen übertreffen will, find ich mittlerweile nervig. Außerdem hat sie mittlerweile genug Kleider im Schrank, die auch mal für Banketts recycelt werden können. Und sie könnte sich im gesamten ein Beispiel an Anne nehmen was Nachhaltigkeit und arbeitsmoral betrifft.
DeleteAgree with Anonymous 02:25. Catherine looks sensational.
DeleteI do not think Catherine the POW should take a leaf out of Queen Mary's book, however I find her outfit's and styling for quite some time boring and uninspired as well as very predictable. I agree with posters who said a Tiara this size needs an updo, t would give her a true lift. She could do so much better.
DeleteCatherine had gone through a “traumatic health battle”” one comment reads. She had an abdominal operation whereby some precancerous cells were found. These were removed and she did receive preventative chemotherapy ! She never had cancer, this was all blown up by the tabloid press !!
DeleteCatherine had gone through a “traumatic health battle”” one comment reads. She had an abdominal operation whereby some precancerous cells were found. These were removed and she did receive preventative chemotherapy ! She never had cancer, this was all blown up by the tabloid press !!
DeletePerfect comment!!!
DeletePerfect comment.
Delete13:37 she was certainly seriously ill and we know she’s had a long slow recovery because she told us. Her husband has said it was incredibly difficult . It is disingenuous to downgrade her serious illness and suffering with your perspective on her serious situation.
DeleteAnonymous 13:37, are you for real?
Delete@Anonymous 13:37
DeleteI understand that fashion tastes differ and some people may dislike what Catherine wore on this and other occasions, but please, why are you saying that she never had cancer?
That's utterly unfair and untrue.
Nobody would talk about a "cancer journey" publicly exposing herself with a ghost- like face the way Catherine did if she hadn't been sure that the doctors had diagnosed her with that traumatic pathology.
How did you know that she never had cancer ?
Her clinical data are kept reserved, no one has ever known what they exactly tell about her health.
I remember that another public declaration was issued reading that Catherine was" cancer free" at the end of her treatment and this has nothing to do with rumours spread by the tabloid press
So cancer must have been present at some stage of the "journey".
I think we all should simply be happy to see her carrying out her engagements in good health conditions and shape.
I am beginning to wonder if she has someone bring in 2 -3 dresses to choose from, based on the occasion etc.
DeletePrincess Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester look fabulous. The princess of Wales’s dress is beautiful but her eye makeup is too heavy, makes harsh and I can’t get used to long loose hair with a tiara, it looks tacky imo.
ReplyDelete01:19 - I agree about the hair. Catherine likes her hair long & then she can play with it. She was fingering it at the banquet table. ~~Ruthie
DeletePrincess Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester look fabulous. The princess of Wales’s dress is beautiful but her eye makeup is too heavy, makes harsh and I can’t get used to long loose hair with a tiara, it looks tacky imo.
ReplyDeleteThree state banquetsin two days. We are being spoilt. Queen Camilla looks amazing in this deep blue gown, the Princess Royal and Duchess of Gloucester are reliable but unexciting, bless them! The Princess of Wales, I can’t make up my mind. I like the dress in some photos, 8 and 11, but not so much in others. Interested to see the views of other posters
ReplyDeleteI know we don’t often comment on the men but they look great, Tim looks especially good in the photograph. Duchess of Gloucester is impressive as always. I am sorry to say I dislike Catherine’s hairstyle - a tiara needs an ‘up do’ - unfortunately this and the heavy make up seem to age her.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the fabric, the shape, the sleeves, the neckline or the color of the Princess of Wales dress. But that tiara, love it.
ReplyDeleteCinci
La duchesse de Gloucester est magnifique mais je trouve le collier de trop, comme celui de Camilla. Affreux les cheveux lousses de Kate. Josée.
ReplyDeleteWow! Catherine’s dress is absolutely marvellous. It’s so different, so feminine, and so lovely! … the neckline, the fullness yet softness of the fabric, the arms … absolutely full marks to the designer of this creation.
ReplyDeleteI never say this but Princess Anne looked great. Duchess of Gloucester usually looks good to me. I love the Honeysuckle Tiara. The Queen wears a lot of jewelry but not well in my opinion. I've seen blue and purple quite a bit this is one of the worst match ups. The Princess of Wales? Who's dressing her now? It's just dull. I do like those earrings though.
ReplyDeleteThe DOG looks fantastic in this structured gown. It’s simple but very elegant and the tiara/necklace combo is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThe Queen and Princess Anne both look similar to their signature styles.
As for the POW, I like the soft yellow, but the design looks messy with the see thru cape, cut out, and braided neckline. The center part and heaviness of the long hair is dragging down the look so maybe an updo would have helped.
Duchess of Gloucester looked good. Princess Anne better than usual. Love the earrings. I'd like to know more about the necklace. No Sophie?POW needs an actual stylist for black and white tie events. This is just fine. Nothing to care about. Been following the royals for 20 years and I'm actually getting bored by state banquets. The world is ending.
ReplyDeleteI too am wondering about all these repetitive state banquets that seem to serve no purpose but to wear fancy clothes and crowns and medals. I’ve read that they help relations between countries but most of these countries are long time friends.
DeleteTo Anon 16:06
DeleteState banquets: sometimes it’s not even what the members of the Royal Family say that matters, but rather what the other invited guests—such as prime ministers (Andy Burnham was at the reception), ministers, or other prominent figures—discuss among themselves.
The spotlight is focused on the royals, which allows these guests to hold informal conversations, often covering serious topics.
I have attended a few of diplomatic receptions myself, so I can assure you that those in power—the "powers behind the throne"—are quite happy to leave the photo opportunities to the ladies and spouses, using that time instead to conduct business or "sound out" a foreign counterpart.
Stephanie
Thank you for your clever first- hand report on royal/ diplomatic receptions , @ Stephanie.
DeleteYou gave proof of what I had already suspected.
I like it when a commenter adds interesting context to mere sugarcoated or downgrading fashion remarks
I really like Anne’s dress with the embellishments and her pearl necklace is gorgeous. The Duchess of Gloucester is immaculate looking as usual and her jewelry is perfection. I like that Camilla is wearing a new-to-me necklace, but it doesn’t seem to lie flat with her dress’ neckline. Catherine looks nice but something about the color and fabric of her gown seems not quite formal enough to me, and I was hoping to see a different tiara on her. I do wish she would re-wear the Cartier Halo tiara sometime.
ReplyDelete-Royal Watcher
I love the Girls of Great Britain tiara don't think it looks good on Camilla. The bright blue and purple is a mismatch. Not good. The POW's gown isn't dowdy but the overall look is unfortunately dull. Her evening wear is lacking.
ReplyDeleteWhile the QC's necklace is indeed a mismatch, I think that this tiara sits perfectly on her. She can easily pull off wearing such big tiaras.
DeleteHow outstanding did the Sultan of Oman look, beautifully groomed and attired.
ReplyDeleteThe Princess Royal and the Duchess of Gloucester look incredible. The Duchess looks outstanding, I love this gown, great to see the re wear, so elegant. Her choice of jewels, perfect. The diamond brooches used as buttons are a glorious addition, she is so inventive and hits the mark every time, its a joy to see. Her amethyst and diamond necklace is a favorite of mine. Her diamond braclets, wonderful additons.
The Princess Royals gown, stunning, a beautifully crafted gown. Love her choice of jewels.
The Queen's jewels amazing! lovely to see she has been in the royal vault. More of that please Ma'am.
Catherine is wearing what appeals to her, well done. She is doing the best she can and recuperating from illness, important and a prioity.
I personally don't like this gown, nor do I like the repeat same styles, of flowing gowns she has favoured in various colors. Her style and her taste, of course. She looks beautiful regardless. Her jewels, the same, monotonous and repetitive. The Grenville diamond earrings with this gown especially with her hair down, I dislike. Her makeup is rather over made, heavy imo. Regardless of my tastes, she looks well, healthy and engaging, a joy to see her at this event.
I can’t believe I’m about to say this because I never criticize hair but tonight the POW’s long flowing hair doesn’t fit with the tiara or the dress. She looks like she is ready to retire for the evening.
ReplyDeleteAgree !!
DeleteThank you , not being mean just stating what the visual is on first glance. I agree
DeleteLove the sultan’s outfit, very regal in his own custom. Not keen on the colour of Catherine’s dress.
ReplyDeleteA rare miss for the POW in my opinion. The dress is lovely but the colour does not suit her skin tone whatsoever. It gives it an odd pallor. The long hair with the tiara is also not a good look. It’s actually pulling her face down and aging her. One of her many stylish updos would have been much better.
ReplyDeleteUnlike other commenters, I think the Princess of Wales’s hair is gorgeous. It is long, yet thick, healthy, and beautifully styled—not messy at all. Yes, perhaps an elaborate updo might have worked even better, but it still looks great.
ReplyDeleteAs for the outfits—all the ladies met the brief, and they all look wonderful: Catherine, Camilla, and Anne. I would, however, like to give special recognition to the Duchess of Gloucester—she is always elegant and dignified. She, Princess Anne, and the Duchess Sophie could teach the younger generations how to be supportive and loyal members of the Royal Family.
Stephanie
Alas, Catherine can be stunning in galadress but not this time. I donot think the neckline suits her, makes too bony, nor the colour. As others say, her hair could on this occasion better be up ( donot know another word), not loose.
ReplyDeleteThe Duchess of Gloucester is superb! The princess royal quite good, as is the queen.
I love all the Tiaras. I particularly like Kate, and Anne's dresses, the Duchess of Gloucester looks good
ReplyDeletePlease ....this colour fixation "summer colours vs winter vs autumn colours" etc ist just that: an unnecessary fixation. There are of course associations between colours and seasons, nature does it so well and naturally, but why imitate it? we can decorate our homes if we like accordingly, but why this expressionism by means of outfits ... it limits us needlessly.
ReplyDeleteThis said: yellow is a difficult colour. Stephanie of Lux can do it, Máxima can do it and Catherine too - if it is not such a "dull" yellow and if there is a bit less of it (i.e., short dress). - Style: Elie Saab gowns are almost always charming and good, except ... this gown. I am so sorry to say, really: I don't like anything on it, except maybe it being flowy. But not the braided part on the top, not the V-shaped neckline, and not the cape with that much fabric already. -
That said, she manages to look good in a suboptimal gown too. - Except: the hair. Please let the elegant gown speak and: let the diamonds speak, not always your waves in the frontline. Of course they are nice, but not always being in the first row, always stealing the show, for every occasion, with every outfit. - Camilla has perfect tiara hair, her gown is impeccable.
Agree 100 %
DeleteThink that princess needs not only hair style makeover but the whole style is boring and same every time that palace has a state banquet!; The only thing that changes is the color!
ReplyDeleteWow, you read my mind, same exact thoughts I had when I saw her, just the same old same, very boring.
DeleteLa photo de Catherine est mal retouchée, ses cheveux longs ne sont pas du plus effet avec un diadème
ReplyDeleteDOG always looks appropriate and beautifully put together.
ReplyDeleteI think PA needs to spend more time on some makeup and her hair. She looks washed out and she is a lovely woman. Her gown was very nice.
I do not care for this necklace on QC, I think there are so many others that would have looked better, but I do appreciate that she looks for things not seen anytime recently. Blue is a terrific color on her and her makeup and smile look wonderful. I do not like that she wears this tiara when there are several that are more commonly associated with her and even more that are hardly seen. It's too soon, and this piece is quite familiar as a QEII piece.
I am with the group of us that feel CPC should have her hair in an updo with this tiara, and maybe especially this one due to its size. I don't care for the pale yellow on her, but she is stunning and manages to put it off.
Can we please stop policing each others comments - unless rude - with tedious scolding? It's as though any criticism whatsoever needs to be corrected. The point of offering comments is for people to share their views. We are all here because we like the subjects of the posts and appreciate the balance they strike with their garments and jewels for the occasions they attend.
Well, where to start? I think with the absentees, the Edinburghs. Pity they did not attend, although the Duchess of Edinburgh was present at Windsor Castle for the afternoon events. Then come the most trustworthy lot - Anne Princess Royal, looking quite polished in this brocade number with a golden hue. However, I think she should have set aside the Greek Meander Tiara this time and replaced it with her - I know it's tiny - Pearl Headpiece (sort of mini Tiara; a piece seen rarely) that would have matched nicely with the necklace she donned. One can hardly go wrong with the Duchess of Gloucester, she always delivers - in a most reliable, therefore slightly predictable, way. Catherine PoW - didn't blow me away, sorry. While chosen a designer from the Middle-East, which is a nice nod towards the guests, of course, the dress oddly stayed in the unremarkable territory. As did the tiara (I like the Queen Mary's Lovers Knot Tiara a lot, don't get me wrong). I think the Lotus Flower Tiara, even smaller in scale, would have been the better choice here. I generally don't mind hair worn open, many royals opt for this style now, even for gala events, but an elaborate updo (along with the Lotus Flower Tiara, as suggested) would have been more spectacular, indeed, and have made the rather underwhelming dress look less so. Last, but not least, Her Majesty Queen Camilla. She always looks very lovely in blue, and this is no exception. The Girls of Greatbritain and Ireland Tiara also goes along well with this evening gown, no doubt. But then there are the Amethysts. Really? They call for an entirely different dress, different neckline, different colour (of course). An obvious mismatch, and I feel sorry that it made her whole look take a little dip. All the gents looked dapper, and I particularly liked the traditional Omani outfits worn by His Majesty The Sultan and his male entourage. Handsome bunch.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of anything here. Don't like the dresses. Kate's hair or whatever. So better luck next time.
ReplyDeleteEverything what I don't like either has been described here by the commenters.
ReplyDeleteNo need to repeat the same all over again, Next time better.
A special note about Q.Camilla
Although I don't like her day (coat) dresses very much, I must admit that usually her gala dresses are very beautiful and so is this blue dress. Love the sparkles in the skirt. I do not love the amethyst earrings and necklace with the blue dress. It is a big mismatch. The tiara is beautiful, I wonder why she didn't wore pearl/diamond earrings and a not too big necklace with pearls and or diamonds.
As usual, Duchess of Gloucester never disappoints. She is a true joy!! She looks elegant and carries herself in a regal manner. She has just the right amount of makeup to look sensational and a very cute smile. Pr Anne always lovely and confident - she doesn’t seem to worry about her hair or lack of makeup. Gotta admire her. POW has changed her styling and it’s obvious to all. Needs brighter colored fashions and less eye makeup. And a new hairstylist, but perhaps her priorities have changed and we cannot determine that on this blog.
ReplyDeleteCatherine looks spectacular. A really special gown which suits her to a t.
ReplyDeleteLes diadèmes de la princesse Anne ainsi que de la duchesse de Gloucester ont été choisis avec beaucoup de mon goût !
ReplyDeleteI loved the Lovers Knot on Diana with her short hair. This Tara would look a ton better on Kate had she worn her hair in an updo. This long flowing hair with te flowy fabric of her yellow gown is just too flowy and gives an overall juvenile appearance, not youthful. My main complaint though is the frequent fiddling with her fingers in her hair. Not acceptable or appropriate.
ReplyDeleteThe Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara feels not quite right on Camilla.
The stars of the evening were Anne and Birgitte. Beautiful jewels, gorgeous fabrics and well-fitting gowns.
Whilst I love that Camilla brings to us a new necklace, the choice to showcase it tonight is baffling me: surely she knew in advance that she would receive a tomato red + green sash, so why wear deep purplish blue and paler purple amethysts with it? It would have been a perfect night to dust off the mighty Vladimir with emerald drops… or the Greville emeralds! With a navy or white gown, if red would have been too Christmassy.
ReplyDeleteI too am bored with Catherine’s gala uniform by now, and in this colour in particular I get definite nighty-night vibes.
Loved Anne’s slightly medieval gown, for a change! And Birgitte is as reliable as always.
The gentlemen all looked dapper, the best of the bunch the Sheikh himself.
wow such hateflu commentary, I found the color ugly but it fit well and was chic. Maybe some of you can post pictures of yourselves so we critique your hair and fashion...............
ReplyDeleteHi--this is from the other Janet :) I love what all the BRF ladies are wearing!!! Queen Camilla looks so super glamorous in her dark blue sparkly gown. The Girls tiara looks great on her and the amethyst necklace was a total and delicious surprise. The Princess Royal has slayed me! I do not recall this gown at all and it's beautiful--the fabric is so rich. Love seeing her Granny Alice's tiara. The Duchess of Gloucester is absolutely lovely in her white coat gown--I love that gown--and her pink jewels are among my favorites in her envious jewelry box. Catherine is wearing a beautiful gown--Elie Saab creates visions with his gala couture. The color is delicate and so is the carefully created neckline--the neckline and bodice make the gown a standout. I knew she would be wear the Lover's Knot because that is her big gun tiara and this was a major state banquet with an important ally. Catherine can carry off a buttery yellow but there is a slight off here with the color--can't figure it out though. I do think it all might come together in a glorious and radiant look had she worn her hair in a updo. I like her hair up or down as she has fabulous hair but I think this time out an updo would have worked better. So--can I really call a fashion winner here? Yep! Camilla for the jewels and Anne for the gown. I want to know more about that gown because my Queen of Rewear and Recycle would not buy a new gown.
ReplyDeleteJanet
Curious why the Princess of Wales must wear the Lovers Knot tiara 90% of the time and given few opportunities to wear other tiaras from the collection. We have seen her in four or five other tiaras but only once at that. I was hoping to see another surprise last night.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Oona
ReplyDeleteThe Shiekh is best dressed of the whole party. QC PofW PA & DofG all look lovely but dressed as expected for the occassion. Shiekh is a standout.
Weird how no one tell us the dress is to long... I bet they are saving the comment for another lady 😉
ReplyDeleteThe winner here is the Q Camilla and the DoG. Beautiful jewels and lovely. I think the PoW would look great with an updo.
ReplyDeletecss
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