By Ambarish Awale,Jennifer Newton,Russell Myers
Copyright dailyrecord
The Princess of Wales has unveiled her stunning state banquet ensemble and tiara ahead of the glamorous dinner with US President Donald Trump . Sharing a photograph on social media, Kate revealed her new Philippa Lepley full-length hand-embroidered gold lace evening coat worn over a silk crepe gown. The coat showcases hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, enhanced with French knots and satin-stitched blooms and is said to underscore her dedication to championing British craftsmanship and creativity. Kate was also sporting the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO Star and Sash. William donned white tie and a Windsor tail coat, along with the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash featuring the Lesser George, reports the Mirror . He was also displaying his miniature medals – Order of the Bath and the Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee and Coronation medal – plus Chest Orders of the Order of the Garter and Order of the Thistle and the Neck Order of the Order of the Bath. The pair shared an image of themselves before the banquet on their social media platforms with the caption: “Ready for The State Banquet.” For the dinner, Mr Trump, who earlier complimented Kate saying she looked beautiful, was seated alongside her. Meanwhile the King and Queen posed with their guests Mr Trump and his wife Melania for a photo before the big event. Camilla is wearing a Royal blue silk marocain embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, a sapphire and diamond tiara, and the King’s Family Order. Melania opted for a fitted, more daring off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved yellow gown, with contrasting pink belt. During tonight’s banquet, a bespoke transatlantic whisky sour cocktail garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit “evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more” is being served. Following a tradition established by the King, a fresh cocktail is crafted exclusively for each state dinner, featuring a tribute to its distinguished guests. Buckingham Palace revealed the drink, a UK/US take on the traditional whisky sour, “blends the smoky depth of Johnnie Walker Black with the bright citrus of marmalade”. It continued: “Crowned with a pecan foam and garnished with a toasted marshmallow set on a star-shaped biscuit, evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more.” Additional thoughtful touches have been incorporated to delight Mr Trump, whose high-stakes second state visit marks an extraordinary moment for any American president. Following a dinner hosted by the King and Queen, guests will be treated to Warre’s 1945 vintage port, in honour of Mr Trump’s tenure as both the 45th and 47th president of the United States, and because it is the nearest vintage port year to his birth year. A Hennessy 1912 Cognac Grande Champagne will also be available, acknowledging the birth year of the President’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. A Bowmore Queen’s Cask whisky from Islay, gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth in 1980 and bottled for her Golden Jubilee in 2002, has been selected to represent Mr Trump’s Scottish roots. Despite being a teetotaller, Mr Trump will not partake in tasting the array of vintage beverages on offer, including the cocktail. However, it is understood that the White House has informed him about what is being served and the careful consideration behind each choice. The lavish menu , penned in French as per tradition, includes Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, followed by organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, accompanied by a thyme and savoury infused jus, and then bombe glacee cardinal, which is a vanilla ice cream bombe with a Kentish raspberry sorbet centre and lightly poached Victoria plums. Prior to tonight’s grand dinner, the King and Queen personally inspected the banquet table and surveyed the scene, as shown in footage shared on the official monarchy’s social media. The 50-metre table was adorned with extravagant floral displays of pink, purple and yellow blooms. The monarch and Camilla extended their gratitude to the Household staff responsible for the meticulous planning and execution of the grand event. Earlier in the day, the Royal Family welcomed Mr Trump, reinforcing the special bond between our two nations. To avoid potential protests in town, the US leader flew into Windsor Castle on his Marine One helicopter from the US Ambassador’s residence in London. Upon arrival, he warmly greeted the King, whom he had previously referred to as his “friend” upon his arrival in the UK on Tuesday evening. Throughout the day, the two men displayed a constant camaraderie, sharing laughs and jokes. This was part of the charm offensive by the King and his family during Trump’s historic and unprecedented second state visit to the UK. The American leader and First Lady received a personal, family-centred welcome outside Victoria House, a lesser-known property tucked away in the Royal Kitchen Gardens at Frogmore on the private Windsor estate. The Prince and Princess of Wales were tasked with welcoming the Trumps, while the full pomp and pageantry of the British military was on display for the US guests. Upon meeting at Windsor Castle, the princess greeted Trump with a wide smile. The President complimented Kate, saying, “you’re so beautiful, so beautiful”. Addressing Prince William as “my friend”, Trump grabbed his arm and clasped his hand, declaring it was “great to see you again”. The pair had previously encountered each other last December, when they gathered with other dignitaries in Paris to commemorate the restoration of the world-famous Notre Dame Cathedral, which had been ravaged by flames five years earlier. The President and First Lady accompanied The King and Queen, along with The Prince and Princess of Wales, in a Carriage Procession through the Windsor estate towards the Castle. As the Carriage Procession departed, a Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry was positioned at the beginning of the processional route. For the opening of the day’s pageantry, which Trump described as a “fest”, whilst bragging about the privilege of being the first US President to receive an unprecedented second state visit, the pathway was flanked by Armed Forces personnel from the Walled Garden to George IV Gate. During the afternoon, the President and First Lady undertook a personal journey to the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II within St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Mr Trump proclaimed it a “great honour” to visit the Royal chapel where the late Queen Elizabeth II lies buried, following his tribute at her tomb. The US president and First Lady Melania spent approximately 10 minutes in private at the late monarch’s final resting place during the opening day of their state visit to the UK. They placed a wreath at her tomb, before stepping into the nave of St George’s Chapel to hear a performance by some young choir members and taking a tour of the centuries-old Gothic building. The president had previously described Queen Elizabeth II during her lifetime as “a spectacular woman” and someone he had enjoyed a strong rapport with.