Princess Kate Recreated Queen Elizabeth’s Most Iconic Look — and Looked Just as Regal

(L) Kate Middleton attends Trump's state banquet dinner; (R) Queen Elizabeth at a state banquet dinner for George Bush in 2003. Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Aaron Chown-WPA Pool; (R) Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis

Sep. 23 2025, Published 08:46 AM. ET

Kate Middleton looked every inch a future Queen during Donald Trump’s state banquet dinner on September 17. The Princess of Wales turned heads in a couture ensemble featuring a full-length, hand-embroidered gold Chantilly lace coat layered over a silk crepe gown. What many didn't realize was that her outfit was a subtle tribute to one of Queen Elizabeth’s most iconic looks. Notably, the late Queen had worn a golden gown with similar lace and pattern for President George Bush's state dinner in November 2003.

Prince William and Kate Middleton walk to attend Trump's State Banquet at Windsor Castle. (Image Source: Getty Images| Phil Noble - WPA Pool)

Middleton accesorized her elegant Phillipa Lepley gown with her go-to royal tiara: Queen Mary's Lover's Knot. She also wore her royal honors, sporting the Royal Family Order of King Charles, the Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, as well as the Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order star and sash. Additionally, she wore a pair of earrings that belonged to the late Queen.

Queen Elizabeth and George Bush for the 2003 state banquet dinner. (Image Source: Getty Images| Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis)

As for the Queen, the monarch for her state dinner wore an intricate golden gown, embellished with diamonds, with long sleeves, similar to Middleton's. She and the late Prince Philip welcomed George and Laura Bush to Buckingham Palace on November 19, with the pair posing for photos in the Palace’s White Drawing Room. Her jewelry included Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik, Queen Mary’s Diamond Frame earrings, and her Diamond Fringe necklace. Bush's state banquet was attended by then-Prince Charles, Princess Anne, and other royal members, as well as political figures like Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Prince William and Kate Middleton officially welcome Donald and Melania Trump. (Cover Image Source: Getty Images| Ian Vogler - WPA Pool) — Prince William and Kate Middleton officially welcome Donald and Melania Trump. (Image Source: Getty Images| Ian Vogler - WPA Pool)

Commenting on Middleton's sweet tribute to the Queen at the banquet, royal expert Ingrid Seward told PEOPLE that even though the Princess isn't 100 percent as her old self yet, "she lit up the table with the megawatt smile." She added, "There was a lot of pressure on her because all eyes were on her. She would be very aware that the most important person there was the King, but she couldn’t help that all eyes were on her." The Princess of Wales wore several other meaningful outfits during the state visit. She accentuated her burgundy outfit, worn while receiving the President, with Queen Alexandra's Three Feathers brooch, which is usually worn by the wife of the Prince of Wales.

And as for recreating the late Queen's outfit, this isn't the first time the Princess has taken inspiration from the monarch's style. Earlier this year, she wore the Queen’s Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings at the British Fashion Council Awards in May 2025. For a Royal Garden Party that same month, she recycled a butter-yellow coat dress reminiscent of the late Queen’s bright dress from the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Middleton has also shown a fondness for color coat-dresses, pearls, and brooches, often mirroring the classic hallmarks of Queen Elizabeth's outfits, to stand out as the future monarch's wife.