The Prince and Princess of Wales continued a new tradition ahead of the Windsor Castle gala

NEED TO KNOW

• Kate Middleton and Prince William had a glamorous night out at the royal state banquet for the Sultan of Oman
• Keeping with a new tradition, the Prince and Princess of Wales posed for a new portrait together in their white-tie attire
• However, they used a new photographer for the event, who added a unique twist to the photograph

Kate Middleton and Prince William looked as glamorous as ever at the latest royal state banquet.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, stepped out in their white-tie attire for the event, held in honor of the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Princess Kate looked stunning in a yellow gown by Elie Saab, pinned with King Charles’ Royal Family Order (a badge featuring the monarch’s portrait) and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star. Her jewels for the evening included her go-to royal headpiece, Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, as well as earrings and a bracelet that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, Prince William looked dapper in a white tie and Windsor tailcoat, adorned with his collection of medals and royal orders.

Keeping with a new tradition, the couple posed for a formal portrait ahead of the banquet. However, this latest snap of Prince William and Princess Kate varied from previous state portraits as it was first shared in black and white.

The Prince and Princess of Wales also turned to a new photographer for the occasion: Greg Williams, a renowned British celebrity photographer known for his intimate, often candid images of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

A familiar presence at the Venice and Cannes film festivals, Williams has photographed everyone from Brad Pitt and Lady Gaga to Meryl Streep and Daniel Craig.

Earlier this year, Prince William and Princess Kate shared a similar portrait from the Nigerian state banquet. For that occasion, they were photographed for the first time by British-Nigerian photographer Christianah Ebenezer.

The Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, which was also worn by Princess Diana, has become Princess Kate’s most frequent choice for banquets and other formal events. She has worn it on a number of occasions since debuting it in 2015.

Queen Camilla also sported a previously worn tiara for the Oman state banquet, opting for the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara. The royal headpiece was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorites, and she wore the accessory numerous times throughout her 70 years on the throne, including in depictions on some British and Commonwealth banknotes and coins. Camilla first wore it in 2023.

King Charles spoke during the banquet and, in his remarks, made special mention of Prince William’s work with the Sultan’s son, the Crown Prince.

“The unique and special relationship we share helps to make the world and our peoples safe….In your future, too, Britain is deeply invested – as you are so actively in ours,” he said. “Our connections matter deeply and, in this regard, I have been especially delighted to see our sons, The Prince of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin, become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia expedition.”

“Your Majesty, there can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next,” he added.

Following her cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2024, Princess Kate has resumed her own prominent role in welcoming foreign dignitaries during state visits, with royal experts describing her as something of a diplomatic “secret weapon” for the monarchy.

Royal biographer Ingrid Seward told PEOPLE that the Princess of Wales has been “very aware” of the spotlight on her as she stepped back into her high-profile duties following the health-based hiatus.

“She is just a doyenne of perfect manners… definitely showing traits of being a remarkable future queen,” Seward said. “She has the most beautiful smile, which captivates everyone. It’s just magical.”

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The state visits also showcase the scope of the “soft power” that the royal family has.

“Despite everything that’s going on in the world, we are still the best at putting on a show of pomp and circumstance,” Seward noted. “Years ago, Charles said we must never lose that because that is what we do best — and he is absolutely right.”

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