King Charles III Hosted First Diplomatic Corps Reception In His Reign

Buckingham Palace traditionally hosts a Diplomatic Corps dinner for Ambassadors of different countries and other Diplomatic representatives accredited to the Court of St. James. Queen Elizabeth II hosted her last Diplomatic Reception in 2019 before the pandemic.

Normally, Diplomatic Reception draws working members of the Royal Family to the event, this year, however, the King decided he would be accompanied only by his wife, Queen Camilla, his heir, the Prince of Wales, and his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales.

The Prince and Princess of Wales. Photo: The Royal Family

King Charles III meeting Diplomatic Corps. Photo: The Royal Family

According to The Royal Family statement, "The annual (diplomatic) reception celebrates the presence in London of one of the largest Diplomatic Corps in the world, giving Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses the opportunity to meet representatives of countries accredited to the Court of St. James's".

Royal Fashion for the night

On their way to the reception, the Queen Consort wore an embroidered blue coat gifted by a Saudi fashion designer to King Charles III when he was still the Prince of Wales. 

The King and Queen on their way to the Diplomatic Reception

Many are praising Camilla for being prudent and economically conscious in this event, re-wearing King Charles III's coat and also her old navy blue dress. 

She also wore the Queen's Belgium Sapphire tiara, the one she donned during the state banquet for the South African president, instead of diving into the royal jewel collection and picking another tiara. 

Queen Camilla at the Diplomatic reception. Photo: The Royal Family

Queen Camilla at the Diplomatic reception. Photo: The Royal Family

She also wore the same set of jewelry during the last state banquet, the George VI Sapphire necklace and earrings, together with her Order of the Garter blue sash.

The Princess of Wales at the Diplomatic Reception

While the Princess of Wales wore a new ensemble, a red Elodie gown from Jenny Packham. She also wore another tiara from the Queen's jewelry collection, the Lotus Flower Tiara. But it was not the first time that Catherine wore this tiara. This has been loaned to her since Queen Elizabeth II's time.

She also wore Queen Elizabeth II's earrings, her new Art Deco Diamond brooch, along with her Royal Victorian Order sash. The King and The Prince of Wales wore their Order of the Garter blue sash.

For the years 2020 and 2021, Buckingham Palace did not hold a Diplomatic Corps dinner due to the pandemic.