Prince William and Catherine, The Princess of Wales have shared a private photograph taken ahead of Wednesday’s State Banquet at Windsor Castle.
The photograph showed the Princess of Wales wearing a green gown by Andrew Gn, a clear nod to Nigeria's flag colours, and the Lover's Knot Tiara.
The image, released on social media 24 hours after the State Banquet, showed the couple poised for the evening engagement, continuing a tradition of offering behind-the-scenes insight into royal occasions of national significance.
The photograph was taken by young British-Nigerian photographer Christianah Ebenezer in Windsor.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
This was Catherine and William's first time working with Ms Ebenezer, though she did take the Duchess of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday portraits last year.
Ms Ebenezer was born in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to London as a child, therefore a fitting choice for the occasion.
Speaking about the portrait, Ms Ebenezer said: “It was a true honour to collaborate on this piece.
“Blending our shared creativity with elements of classic portraiture and nature, the team worked seamlessly to capture this moment ahead of the Nigerian State Banquet – something I'm deeply humbled to have seen come together so beautifully.”
Catherine and William commission British-Nigerian photographer for Windsor portrait
|CHRISTIANAH EBENEZER
The Prince and Princess of Wales joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla in hosting the lavish dinner in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was on a State Visit to the United Kingdom alongside First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
Catherine was seated beside the Nigerian President during the banquet, while Prince William was next to the Nigerian ambassador.
Princess Anne, Sir Tim Laurence, Prince Edward, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were present, though Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh was absent due to a diary clash.
Several notable guests were in attendance, including former Economic Secretary to the Treasury Ed Balls and Gavin and Stacey actress Joanna Page, who were seated next to each other.
LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS
The Princess of Wales wore a green gown by Andrew Gn at the State Banquet | GETTYIn addition, Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, singer Tiwa Savage, artist Yinka Shonibare and author Sir Ben Okri were present.
Sports figures such as Ade Adepitan and Eniola Aluko, alongside academic Professor Charles Egbu and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy of Nigeria, Adebayo Olawale Edun, were also in attendance.
Political figures invited included Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey.
The banquet followed a ceremonial welcome earlier in the day, where Catherine drew attention for her considered fashion choice, selecting a design by British-Nigerian designer Tolu Coker.
King Charles and Queen Camilla at the State Banquet with the Nigerian president | GETTYThe decision was a clear nod to the visiting delegation and a reflection of the cultural ties between the two nations.
Wednesday’s evening event took place in Windsor Castle, where guests were served a multi-course vegetarian meal accompanied by speeches celebrating the relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
The occasion was designed to strengthen diplomatic, cultural and economic links.