Kate Middleton Stuns in Royal Tiara and Gorgeous Diamonds at First State Dinner—See the Pics!

Duchess of Cambridge joins husband Prince William for premiere appearance at royal event

By Samantha Schnurr Oct 20, 2015 9:31 PMTags
Chinese President Xi Jinping, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Kate MiddletonWPA Pool /Getty Images

While it may have been her first state dinner, Duchess Kate Middleton looked every bit the part. 

The 33-year-old royal joined her husband Prince William and Queen Elizabeth II as the matriarch welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan to England at an ornate state dinner Tuesday. This is the first time Middleton has attended a state dinner since marrying into the royal family in 2011. 

As it was her debut at such a traditionally high-profile affair, guests and fans alike were equally anxious to see what the Duchess of Cambridge would model upon her grand entrance—particularly when it came to the jewels. In addition to her premiere state dinner, it was also a moment for the mother of two to sport a tiara according to royal protocol. 

Tim Rooke/Rex/REX USA

This was the brunette beauty's third official time wearing a tiara in public. In addition to her wedding day, the duchess was photographed with the papyrus tiara adorning her head at the annual diplomatic reception in 2013. 

The grand banquet accommodated around 130 guests also dressed in the most elegant black tie attire in honor of the momentous occasion. Britain's finest were seated at a horseshoe-shaped table inside the palace ballroom where they dined using the silver of King George the IV and napkins adorned by the Queen's monogram all while enjoying each other's company in the name of international diplomacy. 

In May 2011, President Barack Obama was invited to Buckingham Palace to partake in a state dinner of his own. Notable guests of the affair included Tim Burton and Helena Bonham-Carter as well as Kevin Spacey.

In addition to the dinner, Middleton also has one other major event on her royal agenda in the coming days—a premiere of the upcoming James Bond installment, Spectre, at Royal Albert Hall on Oct. 26.

It looks like Middleton is back to business as usual after giving birth to her second child, daughter Charlotte, six months ago. Her maternity leave ended in mid-September and much like after her first pregnancy, Middleton is looking simply radiant.

Until the next royal banquet, we'll just have to daydream about what jewels baby Charlotte will borrow from mom for her first state dinner. 

Love all things royal? Watch the season two premiere of The Royals Nov. 15 at 10 p.m. only on E!