Princess Kate pays heartfelt tribute to Princess Diana in £5 million look

Princess Catherine delivered a deeply meaningful fashion moment at Windsor Castle last night, as she paid a subtle yet powerful tribute to her late mother in law, Princess Diana, during one of the most significant royal events of the year. The Princess of Wales, 44, joined senior members of the Royal Family for the Nigerian state banquet, marking a historic occasion as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu were welcomed to the UK.

The glittering evening formed part of a two-day state visit - the first from Nigeria in 37 years. It was steeped in ceremonial tradition, complete with a grand welcome full of pomp and pageantry.

Amid the opulence of the State Rooms, Catherine’s look stood out not only for its elegance but for the story it quietly told. Through carefully chosen pieces, she honoured royal heritage while ensuring Princess Diana’s legacy remained at the forefront.

Held at Windsor Castle, the state banquet brought together key figures of the monarchy, including King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne, who all gathered to formally receive the Nigerian President and his wife.

For the occasion, the Princess of Wales stepped out in a bespoke emerald green gown by Andrew GN – worth thousands. Though originally from the designer’s 2021 collection, the couture piece felt entirely fresh, with its flowing silhouette and rich tone making a striking statement.

The choice of green was particularly poignant - a colour closely associated with Princess Diana, most memorably in her 1982 emerald gown by Graham Wren. Catherine’s look felt like a modern reimagining of that iconic moment, bridging past and present through fashion.

She completed the ensemble with a silver Jenny Packham clutch and a pair of Manolo Blahnik satin pumps, keeping the focus firmly on the gown and her extraordinary jewellery choices.

However, it was the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara that truly stole the spotlight - a piece forever linked to Princess Diana.

Crafted by royal jeweller Garrard, the tiara was originally commissioned by Queen Mary before being passed down through generations. It was gifted to Diana by Queen Elizabeth II following her marriage to Prince Charles, and quickly became one of her most recognisable pieces.

Though Diana did not wear it on her wedding day, she grew to favour the tiara, wearing it on numerous high-profile occasions.

Following her divorce, the piece was returned to the Queen and remained out of public view for years until Catherine reintroduced it in 2015.

Since then, it has become her signature tiara, worn on multiple state occasions - a clear nod to the late Princess of Wales.

For royal watchers, the choice felt especially poignant - a clear reminder that Diana’s influence continues to shape Catherine’s royal identity.

The intricate headpiece features a series of diamond arches, each suspended with a drop-shaped pearl - 19 in total and is set in silver and gold. Originally designed with an additional row of upright pearls, these have since been removed, leaving the now-iconic silhouette seen today.

Despite its beauty, the tiara is known for its weight, with experts noting the density of its platinum frame and the size of its natural pearls and diamonds. Reports suggest the tiara is worth around £5 million.

Further reinforcing the historical significance of her look, Catherine wore the Queen Mother’s Sapphire Fringe Earrings - a rare and deeply symbolic choice.

The earrings were inherited by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 but were never publicly worn by her. Instead, they have only been seen on the Queen Mother and now Catherine, adding another layer of royal continuity to the evening.

Catherine once again proved how fashion within the Royal Family can act as a powerful tribute, quietly honouring the past while shaping the future.