The Princess of Wales and Princess Catharina Amalia had an 'undetected' sequin cape showdown

The 43-year-old royal joined her husband in supporting her father-in-law, King Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, as they welcomed the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, to the UK for a state visit lasting from 3 to 5 December.

I was delighted to see the mother of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis turn to her widely regarded go-to occasionwear label, Jenny Packham, for this scene-stealing number. Kate often chooses the brand for memorable occasions - she famously wore a gold Jenny Packham gown at the Bond premiere in 2021. The kaleidoscope of blue sequins nodded to her regality, but the dramatic cape detail added an almost enchanting, whimsical finish to the ensemble. The sequins brought that show-stopping glamour that personifies Christmas dressing, and royal fans everywhere loved how it perfectly matched her Oriental Circlet Tiara, a Garrard design that's been in the royal family for many years and hasn't been seen in public for two decades.

Kate's dress was a bespoke garment, created just for her by Jenny Packham, who is known for her statement, romantic dresses. Bespoke pieces are always deemed the 'crème de la crème' of dressing as they are perfectly tailored to fit your body's measurements, so the final fit is always superb. 

This could be why Kate often invests in bespoke items; she knows the way they are made will flatter her body and will always look the very best.

Netherlands royal Princess Catharina-Amalia also wore a blue dress with a cape, a little over a year ago. This style seems to have gone undetected, which is surprising as it's so similar - it made me almost do a double-take when I saw it. Last year, the daughter of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, who was then 21, positively glittered in the sparkling number when President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal visited Amsterdam.

A banquet took place at the Royal Palace on December 10, 2024. Monique Lhuillier, a Filipino designer who specialises in bridal couture, created the young royal's gown for the formal event, and it had the most glorious sweetheart neckline and a fairytale-esque cape.

Princess Catharina-Amalia's gown was more of a dark, midnight blue, whereas Princess Kate's frock hinted at a brighter, more cornflower tone. Both dresses were handcrafted from satin and tulle with sequin detail and featured sleek, billowing capes that covered their forearms, as well as fitted bodices.

The main difference was the neckline; Catharina-Amalia's was a square shape, and Kate's was more asymmetrical.

Although both these exquisite designer gowns have both remarkable similarities and subtle differences, they equally bring monumental, classic glamour to the special banqueting occasions they were worn at. Dressing in this formal way is a deep-set tradition in royal history and deserves an extra-special, formal dress that will always define the moment.