Princess Sophie dazzled Buckingham Palace with her opulent fashion at the Japanese state banquet last night. The Duchess of Edinburgh joined a group of senior royals for the diplomatic dinner held in honor of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako during their state visit to the U.K.
In the absence of Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince Edward stole the spotlight in a green gown from Suzannah London, adorned with the late Queen Elizabeth’s pear-shaped diamond drop suite and the Lotus Flower Tiara, one of the go-to sparklers of the Princess of Wales.
She had previously worn the beloved accessory at the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in December 2022.
As the Queen Consort, Camilla has the authority to lend the tiara to royal ladies, including the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Kate was notably absent from yesterday’s event, taking a break from royal duties as she recovers from an undisclosed form of cancer.
Sophie Steals the Spotlight at Japanese State Banquet in Princess Kate's Absence. King Charles, who is also battling cancer, welcomed the Japanese monarchs on Tuesday, June 25 for a Horse Guards Parade, accompanied by Queen Camilla and Prince William.
Meanwhile, the King’s sister, Princess Anne, was forced to sit out the event after sustaining injuries from being hit on the head by a horse.
She is expected to remain hospitalized until the end of the week, leading to the abrupt cancellation of her engagements, including a royal visit to Canada on Sunday.
