The Princess of Wales lit up Buckingham Palace in a golden lace gown at Wednesday night’s state banquet in honour of US President Donald Trump.
I think we can all agree that the Phillipa Lepley creation, with its fitted bodice and intricate floral embroidery, was one of her most dazzling evening looks yet.
At first, I thought the metallic hue must be a playful nod to the President’s fondness for gilded décor. (Trump’s love of gold is no secret. His penchant for lavish interiors and metallic finishes has long been his signature.) Kate’s shimmering gown could easily be read as a diplomatic wink to that aesthetic.
However, I’m now convinced there was a SECOND meaning behind Kate’s dress choice—a link back to a previous state banquet that took place 22 years ago…
In 2003, the late Queen Elizabeth II hosted visiting US President George W. Bush at Buckingham Palace. That evening, she attended the banquet wearing a striking long-sleeved gold gown with intricate gold embroidery. The resemblance to Kate’s own banquet ensemble hasn’t gone unnoticed!
Was Kate’s gown choice a deliberate tribute to her grandmother-in-law and the banquet that took place over two decades ago? I think so.
With the Princess, little is left to chance—particularly at such high-profile occasions, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Kate had done her research and chose the colour for both reasons.
What do you think?
Comments
15 responses to “Two Reasons Kate Middleton May Have Worn Gold to Wedneday’s State Banquet”
I think you are spot-on, and thank you so much for this lovely piece with the historical context!
Yes!! I love the thought.
I would agree with your second reason. I like how gilding is used on her dress, still present yet so tastefully done. Kate as a person exudes sparkle!
I thought that about the gold being Trump’s favorite color. But I like this idea and agree. She’s always paying homage to someone special or whatever country she’s visiting. She’s the cats pajamas!
Princess Kate is certainly the “Woman in Gold”! She looked awesome at the James Bond premiere as well. Totally different look, but totally GORGEOUS… as always. Your website is a treasure trove for all the Kate fashionistas out there. Thank you!
Yes. I think you are correct. Her research is very telling. Unofficially, Prince William
And Princess Catherine have elegantly stepped into a high profile role. They look so regal, as well as youthful and just beautiful. The cameras and everyone’s attention are focused on them, and rightly so.
Kate does everything with much thought, and wearing the gold dress is no exception!
I think you are correct. If she just wanted to flatter Trump, she could have worn the dress she wore to the Bond premiere.
The princess of Wales is beautiful. However, it is not difficult to see that she is so thin. Her bust and waist have lost inches. I think the idea that the dress has 2 layers of fabric gave her a better look. We have only seen her recently in coats and jackets where her bust and waist would not be prominent. I only wish her good health and a long life.
I think you’re spot on! I thought it was one of her most elegant evening looks. I loved that she wore her hair down. She looked so beautiful!
I agree, I think you are right, the princess of wales thinks very carefully about her outfits to any occasion and this one she has chosen perfectly. We are so lucky to have such an inspirational princess to learn and be guided by, I just love whatever she wears and she has definitely influenced my wardrobe choices. Thankyou Carly for all your info, so interesting.
I do NOT think she wore it to please that monster! Have you seen the Oval? It’s a disgrace! I will go with your theory.
Catherine Wales deserves a BAFTA, an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony. She also qualifies for the Nobel Peace Prize! The woman is a Saint, and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn she scrubbed herself with a loofah for hours after dinner…
However she is every inch a Queen. Her demeanor during the three days was impeccable. I hope William and the kids let her have a lie in at the weekend!
He is not a “monster”. Half of our country supports him and all he does for the U.S. You are calling half of the United States monsters. Watch your big mouth.
A monster he is not. He works harder than any president in my lifetime, and his main focus is to try to better the United States. He is actually a very kind man and has done so many nice things for people privately that never get reported. Every country should have a leader who cares as much for their people as Donald Trump cares for Americans.
I love this theory! She looked exquisite. A lovely callback to her wedding gown too. She was every measure the diplomat, given our president’s lasciviousness.