Duchess Sophie of Edinburgh subtly acknowledged Princess Catherine of Wales during a prestigious state banquet held at Buckingham Palace on June 25.
The event, honoring the Emperor and Empress of Japan, saw Duchess Sophie, one of the highest-ranking royals present, elegantly adorned in a green short-sleeved dress designed by Suzannah. Her ensemble was complemented by the exquisite Lotus Flower Tiara and a diamond necklace graciously lent to her by Queen Camilla.
Royal enthusiasts keenly observed that Duchess Sophie's choice of tiara bore a significant connection to Princess Catherine, who had previously worn the same tiara during a diplomatic reception in December 2022. On that occasion, Princess Catherine had chosen a striking long-sleeved red gown embellished with sequins, crafted by her favored designer, Jenny Packham. The Lotus Flower Tiara holds historical significance, having been a beloved possession of Princess Margaret and gifted to Princess Catherine by the late Queen Mother, who had it fashioned in the early 1920s from a diamond and pearl necklace received as a wedding gift.
Notably absent from the state banquet was Princess Catherine herself, currently undergoing treatment for cancer. Her recent public appearance at the Trooping the Colour parade marked a brief outing amidst her recovery period, emphasizing her continued focus on health and privacy. The banquet, hosted by King Charles amidst his own cancer treatment, was attended by Queen Camilla, Prince Charles, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, among other dignitaries.
The occasion marked the commencement of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's official three-day visit to the UK, commencing with a grand ceremonial welcome featuring military pageantry earlier in the day.
