Princess Catherine delivered one of her most memorable state banquet looks to date last night, and in true royal fashion , the most meaningful detail was hidden in plain sight. As the German state visit began with full pomp and ceremony, the Princess of Wales swept into St George's Hall in a bespoke cornflower blue Jenny Packham gown.

The colour choice resonated deeply; cornflower blue appears not only in the Union Jack but is also the national flower of Germany, prompting many royal watchers to suggest that Catherine, 43, was making a diplomatic tribute through fashion.

Yet the real tribute lay above the sequins. In a surprise move that delighted royal fashion fans, Princess Catherine stepped out wearing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara.

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