In the past two weeks, there’s been a lot of talk about the Windsors suddenly ramping up their work schedules for the autumn, all because of the Sussex family’s UK return. What’s funny about that is there’s been more talk about “how they’ll obviously need to work more” and “our busy schedules have nothing to do with Prince Harry and Meghan” than talk about what these newly packed schedules actually include. Well, on Thursday, a brand new state visit was announced, and magically, the Prince and Princess of Wales were free, so now they’re front-and-center of a story about the Sultan of Oman’s October visit to the UK. If you can believe it, the whole thing is being framed as “yay, another tiara moment for Kate.”
Kate Middleton’s next major royal glamour moment is officially on the calendar. Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday, Sept. 3, that Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman will make a state visit to the United Kingdom from Oct. 20 to 22, marking the first incoming state visit of the season — and setting the stage for another glittering night at Windsor Castle.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the Sultan during the three-day visit, which will traditionally include the full pageantry of a ceremonial welcome and a white-tie state banquet. While the palace has not yet announced the full lineup of royal family members taking part, Prince William and Kate are expected to play prominent roles, as they have during recent state visits.
For the Princess of Wales, the occasion could bring her next tiara appearance. State banquets are among the rare occasions when royal women wear tiaras, making them some of Kate’s most anticipated style moments of the year.
But William and Kate’s involvement in state visits has increasingly gone far beyond the glamour. Over the past year, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, have taken on a historic role at the heart of Britain’s royal diplomacy. As heir to the throne and future Queen, William and Kate have regularly been tapped to personally greet visiting heads of state and accompany them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla — placing the couple front and center as the monarchy welcomes some of the world’s most important leaders.
The assignment is particularly significant for William. State visits are conducted at the highest level of diplomacy, and his prominent place in them offers a glimpse of the role he will one day assume as King.
The October visit will also carry its own sense of history. It will be the first state visit to the U.K. by a Sultan of Oman in more than four decades. The last took place in March 1982, when Queen Elizabeth hosted Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
“Over the past year, the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, have taken on a historic role at the heart of Britain’s royal diplomacy.” This embiggening is glorious! William and Kate are the airport greeters and that’s about it. Oftentimes, Kate is tasked with sitting next a visiting head of state at the banquet, all while Camilla and William are seated across an enormous banquet table and never included in photographs. Speaking of, if William is such a high-level diplomat, how does he never make it onto the dais? Charles and Camilla always ensure that William and Kate are literally outside the tent!! But sure, tiaras. I hope Kate wears that giant tiara again and refuses to secure it to her wiglet.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Cover Images, Backgrid.
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- Britain’s Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (L), Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales and Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales arrive to attend a State Banquet in St George’s Hall, at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President.,Image: 1084165990, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: HENRY NICHOLLS/Avalon
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- WINDSOR, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: King Charles III (second right) and Queen Camilla (R) with the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Büdenbender with Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William, Prince Of Wales (far left) as they watch a military procession during the ceremonial welcome for the state visit to the UK at Windsor Castle on December 03, 2025 in Windsor, England. The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by Ms. Elke Büdenbender, are paying a State Visit to the United Kingdom as the guests of Their Majesties The King and Queen. The visit is the first from Germany in 27 years and will be marked with ceremonial visits, an address to the UK parliament and a banquet.,Image: 1056240126, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Carl Court/Avalon
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- 03/12/2025. Windsor, UK. His Majesty, accompanied by The Queen and Members of the Royal Family, gave a State Banquet at Windsor Castle for The President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Ms. Büdenbender. The King and The Federal President both delivered speeches at the beginning of the banquet.,Image: 1056321838, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: © Kensington Palace. This image is free for use but may only be used for news or editorial reporting purposes. This image must NOT be used for any commercial or other use, save for news or editorial reporting and cannot be altered or amended in any manner or form whatsoever. All rights reserved., Model Release: no, Credit line: Pete Maclaine/Avalon
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- King Charles III (centre right) with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (centre left), during the state banquet for the German President and his wife Elke Budenbender, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their state visit to the UK. Picture date: Wednesday December 3, 2025.,Image: 1056322063, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Yui Mok/Avalon
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- Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive to attend a State Banquet at Windsor Castle in Windsor, on December 3, 2025, the first day of a three day state visit by the German President. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received a ceremonial welcome to Britain Wednesday as his state visit got into full swing — the first by Germany’s official head of state in 27 years.,Image: 1056322236, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: CARLOS JASSO/Avalon
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- Britain’s King Charles III, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales toast their glasses after the King delivered a speech during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle in Windsor, on December 3, 2025, the first day of a three day state visit by the German President. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received a ceremonial welcome to Britain Wednesday as his state visit got into full swing — the first by Germany’s official head of state in 27 years.,Image: 1056322311, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: CARLOS JASSO/Avalon
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- Britain’s Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh (L), Britain’s Catherine, Princess of Wales and Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales arrive to attend a State Banquet in St George’s Hall, at Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on March 18, 2026, on the first day of a two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom by Nigeria’s President.,Image: 1084165956, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: HENRY NICHOLLS/Avalon
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- The Princess of Wales before the state banquet for President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their state visit to the UK. Picture date: Wednesday March 18, 2026.,Image: 1084697581, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: – Fee Payable Upon reproduction – For queries contact Avalon sales@Avalon.red London +44 20 7421 6000 Los Angeles +1 310 822 0419 Berlin +49 30 76 212 251 Madrid +34 91 533 42 89, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red/Avalon
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- Windsor, UNITED KINGDOM The State Banquet for The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, on the first day of their State visit to the UK, at Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire, UK. Pictured: Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prin BACKGRID USA 18 MARCH 2026 USA: +1 310 798 9111 / usasales@backgrid.com UK: +44 208 344 2007 / uksales@backgrid.com *UK Clients – Pictures Containing Children Please Pixelate Face Prior To Publication*
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- The Prince and Princess of Wales walk to attend the state banquet for US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their second state visit to the UK Featuring: William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Windsor, United Kingdom When: 17 Sep 2025 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive for the state banquet at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump’s second state visit to the UK Featuring: William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales Where: Windsor, United Kingdom When: 17 Sep 2025 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
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- The Duke of Edinburgh with the Prince and Princess of Wales ahead of the state banquet for President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their state visit to the UK Featuring: William, Prince of Wales Where: Windsor, United Kingdom When: 18 Mar 2026 Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages **NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**
Where to start? That is a hot mess of a blue skater weird cutout neck shaped plus a CAPE gown. The tiara was way too big, didn’t match the dress and was hanging askew the entire night. Partially because of all big gun tiaras this one demands tiara hair, not maiden waves cascading down. She simply cannot do “future Queen” even a little bit…
Kate will also presumably do the December Diplomat’s Ball or whatever it’s called as she’s sat out the last few years? So, two bites at the apple for their “historic diplomacy” of (checks notes) dressing up, William looking grim and greeting potentates at the airport. Yay, I guess?
@Lady Esther — Much applause for “blue skater weird cutout neck”! Perfection!
More pictures of them standing outside the giant tent! I can feel their bitterness from here and it’s glorious.
I hope it rains.
Maybe it’s embarrassing to admit this, but I’m among my people here on CB. But I actually have that photo saved on my phone because it makes me laugh every time I see it. The optics of W&K off to the side like that is hilarious to me every time. It cheers me up if I’m in a bad mood and come across it.
Imagine a job offer reading “transportion for a foreign couple, slapping on the big wig and a tilted tiara for an evening, salary 40.000 Pounds a day”. I would accept! Even if that means to stand outside a tent because Queen SideChick wants to demonstrate who’s in charge. And who is not!
Well, I guess for People mag, it is just all about the tiaras and gowns. But I did cackle at the line about them being “front and center” during the welcome ceremony since they’re literally shoved off to the side.
Lets take a minute to appreciate how busy W&K are. They may attend an event in 6 weeks.
The only thing historic about those two is how historically lazy they are.
In terms of glamour it is sorely lacking. Looking at older pictures of Diana when she was at these events, you can see how the current crew look very plain despite the sparkles.
Outside the tent photos. Yes.
She looks like a little girl playing dress-up.
That crooked tiara always makes me think of the toddler princesses at Disney with their tiaras, they always end up crooked when they are running around playing. It is a shame that such a beautiful piece of art will forever be the “crooked crown” Kate had no idea how to showcase properly.
The Oriental Circlet has always been my favorite but it just doesn’t do any favors here
Let me guess…
Waleses will pick them up at the airport
They will take a carriage ride in a circle around BP
Charles and Camilla will stand inside that tent thing to watch soldiers with the visitors and WanK will stand outside
The guests will be invited to view shiny artifacts that Britain stole from the visiting nation many years ago
Kate will wear a tiara to the state dinner. Willie will glower..
The Mail that Kate “dazzled”
Kate at her happiest and in her element: around rich, powerful men…
She does seem to shine around horrible men.. I remember her bright smile when driving Andy and Kate beaming in all her glory seated next to the most vile politician/wannabe dictator.
Ugh, why does she continue to wear her hair down with the tiaras? It looks messy and unfinished. We have all seen her rock an updo, in fact I think she looks better without all that hair in her face. I just don’t get it.
Kate has body dysmorphia to such a degree that she won’t listen to advice. If she was taking advice her hair wouldn’t be looking like a sad second hand wig.
A historic and important role for Scooter and Kant? So that’s how you describe the role of chauffeur, I guess.
My thoughts exactly. Imagine being called amazing because you politely sat in the back of a car with someone before handing them off for important photos and meetings, of which you were intentionally no part. A child deserves praise for these things, not a 40+ year old prince. Egads.
(And let’s be real, it isn’t like they are even particularly good at this bare, bare minimum being asked of them! No charm, no warmth, just overexposed crotches and wrinkly suits.)
The embiggening. At least William and Kate have another engagement to add to their “busy fall schedule”.
Having dinner and calling it work.
And they only have 47 days to plan for it. However will they manage?
How DID they manage to squeeze it in? 🙄
Pathetic that you have to dangle something shiny in front of Kate to make her do her freaking job. Has she even heard of Oman?! 😂
Doubtful, @Tarte au Citron. The really interesting thing is that Oman is the critical intermediary for US / UK negotiations with Iran about the nuclear programme, about re-opening the Straits of Hormuz, about regime reshaping, etc…. And has been long before this current conflict, and is now the only venue for the two sides to communicate parameters for re-establishing trust and trade. Does Kate know this???? I’d bet you the price of a tiara that this is all news to the woman who famously observed, “you can test the smell by smelling it,” and, on another occasion, asked about the current production of Fabergé eggs, out of circulation since the Russian Empire cracked up. She’s not a brain box. Which would be fine, if she were just diligent and decent. Alas….. she’s mean, thin-skinned, sharp-elbowed, and needs compulsively to be the centre of attention. Yikes.
The bar is so, so low. Imagine being a glorified Uber driver being fluffed up so much….
Nothing says look at how important to the monarchy I am like a tiara, I guess.
Kate looks like a witch in that tiara .
She looks like Malificent.
Maybe Chuckles will allow them under the tent this go round since Harry and Meghan on in England now. Just to keep it somewhat peaceful with his 44 year old brat.
Keen wants to be a Disney princess. Wigs down ro waist and bad fit of tiara
I was thinking she was a Disney on Ice skating princess whose tiara is about to fall off after one too many triple lutzes.
We have entered into the emperor ain’t got no clothes, but the grey men and rota are covering for the Wails as furiously as possible by smearing anyone in their remote orbit (mainly the Sussexes). How can anyone see images of both wails looking clearly altered and disheveled at high profile events like this and still cover for them while blatantly lying about their poise/glamour? The have relatively small kids and need sorted out. Enabling them is BAD for them because their “bad” behavior continues and seems to be escalating. Bad press would help get them sorted or force them to step aside. They certainly aren’t capable of being king and queen in their current state. Charles, Diana and the rest of the Windsors/married-ins were treated viciously by the press for decades. Why are Willy and Keen treated with such kids gloves? If Diana had ever flashed the royal thighs at a diplomatic delegation (Remember the keenery wonkiness during a Korean visit right before the “KeENer has CaNCeR and, therefore, she and willy have a lifelong excuses to do f all” debacle?) or wandered around looking, er, dazed and altered while wearing a wonky wig and crooked tiara, the outrage would have been never-ending. What is so special about these two? What deal with the devil was made around 2016 that guaranteed them embiggening regardless of their nonsense and laziness?
And where are they currently? It’s been two months since they’ve “worked.” Is this article to let us know we won’t see Kate until October? Maybe the wiglet gopher is on strike.
Charles met visiting heads of state and escorted them to the palace for decades as Prince of Wales. It was treated as a matter of course by the press. It seems to be the job of most heirs to the throne. In numerous newsreels, I’ve seen other European crown couples greet visiting heads of states at the airport. I don’t think any of this embiggening occurs anywhere else. William and Kate are starting to look like children getting a pat on the head every time they do something that is literally their job.
Yep, it’s a really funny way to write about W&K carrying out their expected duties. Hell Ingrid Alexandra, Catherine Amalia, and Elizabeth have been attending state banquets when they are in country for several years now
Anne looks so much better than Kate in the top photo.
And Anne probably pulled out ensemble out of her closet.
Wonder if Cammie will block her from the most beautiful tiaras? Hasn’t she done that before?
She doesn’t wear the tiaras, they wear her.
Oman did state visits to Belgium and the Netherlands last spring. Mathilde went minimal with jewels since there was no lady from Oman. Maxima wore the grandest version of ornate pearl tiara and a gown covered in beautiful embroidery. Catherine-Amalia also attended but this was not one of her more glamorous appearances
Maxima’s pearl tiara is one of the prettiest I’ve sseen. It’s gorgeous.
Wearing that tiara is the only heavy lifting she ever does work wise 😄
‘…placing the couple front and center as the monarchy welcomes some of the world’s most important leaders.’
Er, no, unless you consider ‘front and center’ as outside the tent in the rain. 🙄
So her “tiara moment” will substitute for real work? Keep the peasants happy that Kate is “working” and trot her out for another photo op in 6 weeks to 3 months? We see you, Kate and William.
BeanieBean, Yes! I love those photos. And Charles and Camilla have done that to the couple more than once. Glorious! I hope they do it again for Kate’s “moment” in the sun. But then, sometimes I have fangs and claws too.
Oh yes, I remember Kate’s important diplomacy with the wife of the German chancellor – discussing her whole house renovations on Forest Lodge and how she was excited to start their mood boards after the holidays.
That is a stunning tiara, if askew. Hubby should have forgone the beard and worked on a hair transplant. Looks so bad. It would be obvious now, but better.