Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stepped out alongside other royals to attend a state banquet in honour of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, appeared to give a subtle nod to Kate, Princess of Wales, as she attended a major royal event.
The Duchess was the second-most senior royal attending the state banquet held at Buckingham Palace on the evening of June 25 in honour of the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
At the major engagement, Sophie dazzled in a green short-sleeved dress by Suzannah, which she paired with glittering jewels including the Lotus Flower Tiara and a diamond necklace, lent to her by Queen Camilla.
Eagled-eyed royal fans noticed that one major detail in the Duchess’ stunning outfit linked her to the Princess of Wales – her tiara.
Kate donned the Lotus Flower Tiara in December 2022 as she stepped out alongside Prince William for a reception at Buckingham Palace dedicated to members of the Diplomatic Corps.
Princess Kate pictured at a royal engagement in December 2022
Kate decided to wear for that event a long-sleeved red gown decorated with sequins by one of her favourite designers, Jenny Packham. The tiara was a favourite of Princess Margaret, the adored sister of late Queen Elizabeth II.
The princess received it from the late Queen Mother, who had it crafted in the early 1920s from a diamond and pearl necklace which she had received as a wedding present.
Kate was absent from the state banquet as she continues her cancer treatment. The Princess of Wales was seen in public earlier this month, as she attended the Trooping the Colour parade.
But the one-off appearance was not a return to royal duties as she recovers in private.
King Charles hosted the state banquet (Image: GETTY)
The banquet was hosted by King Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment. The King was flanked by Queen Camilla, the Prince of Wales and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, among other royals.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako are on a three-day official visit to the UK, which kicked off earlier today with a ceremonial welcome of military pageantry.
