For months, the public has speculated and eagerly waited for Kate Middleton's first ever state banquet. Last night, the time has finally arrived for the Duchess of Cambridge to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for their four-day official trip.
According to a blow-by-blow report from Mirror UK, Queen Elizabeth hosted the banquet after a day of celebration to mark the first couple of China's arrival.
During the white tie event held at the Buckingham Palace, the Queen expressed how this state visit is a "milestone" event, saying, "Your visit to the United Kingdom marks a milestone in this unprecedented year of co-operation and friendship between the United Kingdom and China, as we celebrate the ties between our two countries and prepare to take them to ambitious new heights."
The Queen also discussed Britain and China's roles, as members of the United Nations Security Council, to collaborate and fight world issues such as terrorism, poverty, ill-health, conservation and climate change. She said, "Britain and China are stewards of the rules-based international system, and we have a responsibility to cooperate on these issues which have a direct bearing on the security and prosperity of all our peoples."
Meanwhile, the state banquet also marks two firsts: the attendance of Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. After months of discussing what Kate should wear for her first state banquet, the mother of Prince George and Princess Charlotte steps out with a stunning red dress, pearls and a diamond lotus tiara.
Us Weekly notes that Kate followed the theme by wearing a red Jenny Packham gown and the Lotus Flower Tiara. Red is a lucky color for the Chinese while the lotus flower signifies faithfulness. Prince William, on the other hand, looks dashing in formal white.
To match the classy ornate heirloom, the Duchess of Cambridge opted for a simple yet sleek hairdo, a low chignon. The Lotus Tiara, also known as the Papyrus Tiara, was from a necklace gift to the Queen Mother from Bertie, the future George VI. She passed on the royal heirloom to Princess Margaret and became one of the princess' favorite accessories.
Mirror UK notes that Kate borrowed the diamond-encrusted headpiece with fanned lotus motifs from the Queen, who was last seen wearing it in a diplomatic reception two years ago.
The state banquet is the first time that a Chinese president visited the U.K. since 2005.
