Princess Kate chose to wear President Donald Trump's favourite colour during last year's state visit, it has been claimed, as the future queen operates with no official stylist.
The Princess of Wales demonstrated remarkable fashion diplomacy throughout 2025's state banquets, deploying carefully considered wardrobe choices to strengthen international relationships.
Kate, 43, is thought to have selected outfits with deliberate symbolic meaning for each visiting head of state, from colour coordination to historically significant jewellery.
Her sartorial strategy earned recognition from Vogue, which placed her on its 2025 best-dressed list.
Kate ‘very much in control’ when choosing President Donald Trump’s favourite colour
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The fashion publication described her as an "eternal influencer" and "culture-shaper" whose "quiet support can change the trajectory of a brand".
The three state banquets hosted by the Royal Family last year showcased her most memorable diplomatic dressing moments.
For example, during President Trump's unprecedented second state visit in September, the princess personally opted to wear his favourite colour, gold, according to The Times.
She donned a bespoke full-length evening coat crafted from hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace, worn over a silk crepe gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley.
Kate and President Donald Trump raising a glass to each other at the state banquet
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The image of a radiant princess smiling warmly at the American leader appeared to signal a renewed "special relationship" between the two nations.
President Trump was visibly delighted to be seated beside her, declaring during his speech that she was "so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful".
His broad smile suggested the diplomatic gesture had achieved its intended effect.
Despite losing her senior private executive assistant, Natasha Archer, in 2025 after 15 years of service, Palace aides emphasised that the princess does not employ a stylist.
President Trump was visibly delighted to be seated beside Kate, declaring during his speech that she was 'so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful'
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According to sources who spoke to the publication, Kate is "very much in control" of her own wardrobe decisions.
For the December state banquet welcoming German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the princess made a particularly meaningful jewellery selection.
According to the publication, it was Kate's own idea to wear Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet tiara for the occasion.
The historic piece was designed by Prince Albert, the German-born consort, for his wife, making it a fitting tribute to the longstanding connections between the Windsors and Germany.
Prince William and Princess Kate entering Windsor Castle for the banquet
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Prince Albert was Prince William's great-great-great-great-grandfather, lending the choice additional personal significance.
The princess paired the symbolic tiara with a lilac gown by Jenny Packham, one of her preferred designers.
At the French state visit, a striking display of coordination saw Kate, Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron each emerge at Windsor Castle wearing a different shade of the French tricolour.
The princess chose a floor-length red Givenchy gown, while Camilla appeared in white, and Madame Macron wore blue. During the banquet, the French president famously winked at Kate across the table.