The Princess of Wales stunned guests at a star-studded banquet last night in Windsor Castle, held in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

The King hosted the politician for a state banquet at Windsor Castle as tensions between Europe and Russia intensified this week.

Even as tensions with Russia undercut the event, also attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, all eyes were on Kate Middleton, who wore a sequined periwinkle dress and tiara.

The Princess wore Queen Victoria’s oriental circlet tiara, a very rarely spotted piece of royal jewellery, for the event.

Her gown was created by Jenny Packham and featured cape-like sleeves which pooled at her feet.

The designer dresses by Packham range from around £4,500 up to £10,000 for custom dresses.

She and Prince William posed for a portrait during the three-day state visit, which also saw German supermodel Claudia Schiffer and her filmmaker husband, Sir Matthew Vaughn, attend festivities.

The history of Queen Victoria's oriental circlet tiara

The tiara worn by Princess Kate during last night’s banquet has a rich history behind it.

It’s one of the most important jewel pieces from the Victorian era, and one of the oldest, created by the royal fashion house Garrard.

It was created in 1853 for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert. It features more than 2,500 diamonds and rubies.

After Albert died, the tiara went unseen for decades before being worn by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. It was then worn by Queen Elizabeth, and then, most recently, last night by Kate.

King Charles speaks about ‘bolstering’ European defence against Russia

While hosting the German President, King Charles also said the UK and Germany will work together to ‘bolster’ Europe against the growing threat of Russia.

Vladimir Putin has accused European leaders of sabotaging US-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

The Russian dictator has rejected changes proposed by Ukraine and Europe to a draft peace plan, calling it unacceptable.

He also said Moscow was ready for war with the continent, but these comments were dismissed as ‘sabre-rattling’ by the UK Government.

Charles told guests seated in St George’s Hall: ‘With regard to shared defence, our German-British Bridging Battalion at Minden – which I visited during our state visit two years ago – is literally building bridges, a unique partnership at the heart of Nato.

‘And more broadly, of course, the United Kingdom and Germany together stand with Ukraine and bolster Europe against the threat of further Russian aggression.’

The German president also echoed the King’s words about tensions in Europe.

He told the guests: ‘We are working together to promote security and defence, side by side for a free, peaceful Europe, side by side in support of Ukraine.’

Charles told the banquet guests: ‘It is 36 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall – a momentous event in human history.

‘The tumultuous period of political, social and technological change that happened after that has tested our values. Many have found that unsettling and even frightening. Fear can lead to anger and resentment.’

‘But the United Kingdom and Germany are united in a continued belief in democracy, freedom and the rule of law.’

Other famous names with German heritage or connections in attendance included movie-score composer Hans Zimmer, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse, who lives in Germany, and Axel Scheffler, the illustrator behind popular children’s book The Gruffalo.

The King spoke large parts of his speech in German and touched on a subject important to both nations – football.

Among the guests was German former footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger, who played for Aston Villa, the Premier League team supported by William, and England Lioness Georgia Stanway.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.