The Princess of Wales shone in a champagne-gold Chantilly lace evening coat layered over a silk crepe gown at a state banquet for US President Donald Trump. The couture piece, designed by British couturier Phillipa Lepley, featured a full-length, hand-embroidered lace coat with a regal high collar. The intricate embroidery included roses stitched with gold cording, French knots and satin blooms, highlighting the Princess’s support for British craftsmanship.
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She complemented the look with earrings once owned by the late Queen and her preferred tiara, the Lover’s Knot, wearing her hair down for the occasion. The Princess also displayed several royal honours, including the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, the Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and the GCVO Star and Sash. Earlier that day, Mr Trump was reported to have told the future queen, “You’re so beautiful, so beautiful,” as she greeted him and the First Lady alongside the Prince of Wales at Victoria House.
Other members of the Royal Family also dressed formally for the banquet. The Queen wore a royal blue silk marocain embroidered gown by Fiona Clare, accompanied by a sapphire and diamond tiara and the King’s Family Order. The Prince of Wales appeared in white tie with a Windsor tail coat, the sash of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and his miniature medals, including the Orders of the Bath, the Garter and the Thistle, as well as jubilee and coronation decorations.
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The evening’s menu included watercress panna cotta with quail eggs, organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, and a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet and poached Victoria plums. Wines and spirits ranged from a 2016 Wiston Estate Cuvée and 1998 Pol Roger champagne to a 1945 vintage port and a rare 1912 Hennessy cognac. Guests also enjoyed a “Transatlantic Whisky Sour” cocktail, reflecting the theme of the visit.
