State Banquet Hosted by King Charles III For The First Time in His Reign

On November 22, 2022, Buckingham Palace rolled out the red carpet for South African President, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and his entourage. President Ramaphosa is in the United Kingdom for his official state visit.

His Majesty King Charles III hosted a state banquet for the first time in his reign to welcome the South African dignitaries. It was also the first state dinner organized by the Royal Family since 2019.

From Left: South African President, The King and Queen. Photo: Aaron Chown for Getty Images

According to Town and Country, guests dined on Windsor pheasant and iced vanilla parfait in the Buckingham Palace ballroom.

King Charles delivered a short speech welcoming the South African delegates. He also highlighted his appreciation for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Inside the banquet hall. Photo: AARON CHOWNGETTY IMAGES

The British working royals who attended the state banquet, apart from the King and Queen were the Prince and Princess of Wales, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and The Duke of Kent.

The British royals led the guests to the banquet hall

King Charles III led the delegates to the banquet hall

The Royal Fashion

The state banquet is always an opportunity for royal watchers to see the members of the royal family, especially the women, came in full royal regalia, elegant fashion, and sparkling tiaras. 

The Earl and Countess of Wessex. Getty Images

Both Queen Camilla and Catherine, the Princess of Wales attended the state banquet on their new roles. And they did not disappoint with their style. 

The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

Catherine, the Princess of Wales

Catherine was in her chic form as she donned a bespoke Jenny Packham white gown. She also wore the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot's Tiara, which the late Queen loaned to her for the long term. She completed her regal look with the Art Deco Diamond Brooch. She also donned her Royal Victorian Order sash.

The Royal Tiaras

The Queen Consort wore a Bruce Oldfield cobalt blue gown, Queen Elizabeth II's Belgium Sapphira Tiara and the matching Sapphire Necklace from King George VI's jewelry collection. 

And for the first time, Camilla wore her Order of the Garter Blue Sash. She was admitted to the Most Noble Order of the Garter as a Lady Companion in June this year by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen Consort, The Princess of Wales, The Countess of Wessex

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex radiated in a green crepe gown from Suzannah London. She also wore her Aquamarine Tiara, a piece that can also be worn as a necklace. Sophie also wore the Queen's Fringe Diamond Necklace and earrings. She completed her evening look with the Royal Victorian Order sash.

Birgette, the Duchess of Gloucester 

While Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester wore The Queen Mary's Honeysuckle Tiara. This tiara was originally owned by Queen Mary which she passed to her daughter-in-law, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester. 

The South African President with the Prince and Princess of Wales

Early in the day, the Prince and Princess of Wales met President Ramaphosa at the Corinthia Hotel and proceeded to the Horse Guards park where the King and Queen, and members of the British parliament waited.