Catherine, Princess of Wales debuts rarely seen tiara with 2600 diamonds for State Banquet arrival
The Prince and Princess of Wales have unveiled their stunning looks for the State Banquet taking place at Windsor Castle.
The royal couple are among guests at the lavish State Banquet being held right now in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, who are on a State Visit to the UK as guests of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The President and First Lady arrived in the UK earlier in the day, where they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales at Heathrow Airport before travelling to Windsor, where they were met by the King and Queen.
The Prince and Princess of of Wales at tonight's State Banquet at Windsor Castle. Getty
There they were formally welcomed with a Royal Salute before the President and his wife joined the King and Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Wales in a carriage procession to Windsor Castle for more formalities.
After lunch in the State Dining Room, the President and First Lady moved to the Green Drawing Room to view a special exhibition of items relating to Germany from the Royal Collection.
They then retired to get ready for the State Banquet, which is taking place now in Windsor Castle's majestic St George's Hall.
The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a glimpse of their regal looks on their Instagram account.
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The dress was by designer Jenny Packham, a favourite among the royals. Getty
"Looking forward to a special banquet tonight in Windsor," the post said.
The Princess was resplendent in a sweeping blue gown by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham, which she paired with Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara.
It was chosen because it was designed by German-born Prince Albert for his beloved wife Queen Victoria in 1853, and originally featured more than 2600 diamonds and opals set into an Indian-inspired design of lotus flowers and Mughal arches.
When Queen Victoria died, she left the tiara to the Crown.
Queen Alexandra later had the opals replaced with rubies that belonged to Queen Victoria because she considered opals unlucky.
It passed to Queen Elizabeth I, later the Queen Mother, who wore the tiara frequently until her death in 2002, even though by then it technically belonged to her daughter Queen Elizabeth II.
Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier was seen speaking to the Princess of Wales at the reception. Getty
Queen Camilla wore a long green lace dress for the State Banquet. Getty
She too wore the tiara at times, including during an official visit to Malta in 2005.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla chose a green lace dress by Fiona Clare, which she paired with the Girls of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Tiara.
The tiara was created by Garrard in 1893 for Queen Mary.
Queen Elizabeth II later chose the tiara for her first royal portrait after becoming Monarch, and it became synonymous with the late Queen during her long reign.
It has since been worn by Queen Camilla several times.
The Princess Royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke of Gloucester also joined the royal procession.
Once inside, the King and President each made speeches, before guests dined on a menu consisting of an Open Tartlet of Hot Smoked Trout with Langoustines, Quail Eggs and Shellfish Sauce; Windsor Partridge Supreme wrapped in Puff Pastry with Confit Cabbage and Port Sauce; Baked Alaska with Blackberry, Vanilla and Raspberry Ice Creams; followed by Coffee and Petit Fours.
Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, were also present. Getty
A member of royal household completes finished touches ahead of the State Banquet. Getty
A Christmas tree formed the basis of the hall's decorations for what is believed to be the first time.
It is the second State Visit and Banquet held at Windsor Castle in just three months, with the royal family also hosting US President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania and other members of the Trump family back in September.
State Banquets are traditionally held at Buckingham Palace, which is being refurbished at this time.
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