The Princess of Wales: State Banquet Appearances Since 2022

The Princess of Wales: State Banquet Appearances Since 2022

Since assuming her title in 2022, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has attended four state banquets hosted in honor of visiting heads of state. These formal occasions, steeped in diplomatic tradition and royal pageantry, are held to strengthen international relations and showcase the British monarchy’s role on the global stage.

Her father-in-law, King Charles III, has hosted six state visits since his accession to the throne in 2022, welcoming the following leaders:

November 2022 – President of South Africa

November 2023 – President of South Korea

June 2024 – Emperor of Japan

2024 – Emir of Qatar

July 2025 – President of France

September 2025 – President of the United States

The Princess of Wales was present at four of these six banquets. Her absence from the 2024 events was due to her medical leave while undergoing preventive chemotherapy treatment.

Below is a summary of her four appearances at state banquets as Princess of Wales:

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1. November 2022 – State Visit of the President of South Africa

Venue: Buckingham Palace
Attire: White Jenny Packham gown with shoulder embellishments and cape detailing
Jewelry: Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara

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2. November 2023 – State Visit of the President of South Korea

Venue: Buckingham Palace
Attire: White Jenny Packham gown
Jewelry: Strathmore Rose Tiara, a historic piece last worn publicly by the Queen Mother nearly a century ago

The tiara, once worn as a forehead band by the Queen Mother when she was Duchess of York, was beautifully reimagined by Catherine in a more traditional tiara style, marking its first public appearance in decades.

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3. July 2025 – State Visit of the President of France

Venue: Buckingham Palace
Attire: Deep red, vintage-style gown by Givenchy, designed by Sarah Burton
Jewelry: Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara

This marked her return to state functions following a year-long medical hiatus.

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4. September 2025 – State Visit of the President of the United States

Venue: Buckingham Palace
Attire: Ivory Victorian-inspired gown by Phillipa Lepley, featuring a Chantilly lace-embroidered coat
Jewelry: Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara and earrings from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection

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The Princess of Wales continues to bring a blend of elegance and historical reverence to each occasion. Many royal watchers hope to see the Strathmore Rose Tiara make another appearance in the near future.