Princess Kate and Prince William put on united front at state banquet after Prince Harry's bombshell confession – best photos

The Prince and Princess of Wales shared a loving look as they made their way into the banquet hall. Princess Catherine stole the show in an Elie Saab dress paired with her favourite Lover's Knot Tiara. 

Prince William, meanwhile, looked smart in a Windsor tailcoat, worn with the Most Noble Order of the Garter and sash with the Lesser George.

King Charles posed for a photograph alongside Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and Queen Camilla. The monarch was wearing the Order Al Said, an order he was given today by the Sultan.

Camilla looked regal in midnight blue, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Originally a wedding gift to Queen Mary in 1893, this iconic diamond headpiece became one of Queen Elizabeth II's most frequently worn pieces.

Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast came to mind as Princess Catherine arrived in a showstopping yellow gown.

The striking design by Lebanese designer Elie Saab featured a deep V neckline and a beautiful sheer cape trailing behind her. She paired the ensemble with her go-to tiara: Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara. 

The royal accessorised with the late Queen's earrings and bracelet, along with the King Charles II Royal Family Order, GCVO Sash and Star.

Princess Anne was seen walking alongside the Duke of Gloucester. Dressed in formal state evening attire, the royal donned a structured gold-patterned gown paired with a sparkling tiara, white gloves, and royal sashes and honors. 

Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, was seen trailing closely behind. 

The Princess Royal's husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, made a dapper appearance while deep in conversation with the Duchess of Gloucester. 

She is married to Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and a grandson of King George V.

Catherine wore her favourite Lover's Knot tiara. Crafted by the Crown Jeweller Garrard in 1913, the tiara features 19 diamond arches tied with bow-shaped "lover's knots", from which hang 19 pearl drops. 

Queen Mary left the tiara to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953, who then loaned it to Princess Diana as a wedding gift. Following Diana's death, the tiara wasn't seen publicly until 2015, when it was loaned to Catherine. It has since become her most frequently worn headpiece at state dinners and diplomatic receptions.

Charles spoke proudly about his son William as he hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said at the start of his state visit. In a passionate banquet speech, Charles said there can be "few happier symbols of success" than watching a relationship passed between generations, a clear reference to the Prince of Wales and Sayyid Theyazin, who were joint patrons of an Omani expedition. 

The King told the Sultan: "Our connections matter deeply and, in this regard, I have been especially delighted to see our sons, the Prince of Wales and His Highness Sayyid Theyazin, become joint patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition."

The two royal heirs were the figureheads of the expedition, a 30-day journey on foot, by camel and by 4×4 staged last year through Oman, following the route of British explorer Bertram Thomas in 1928.

Charles added: "Your Majesty, there can be few happier symbols of success than a living relationship being passed from one generation to the next."

The monarch spoke in Arabic, quoting poetry in an ancient form of the language and modern Arabic to greet the Sultan with the words "Welcome to a visitor of whom one never tires".

He also delivered his thoughts on the future, warning about the dangers of AI: "Your Majesty, neither of us can know precisely what challenges our successors will face. Despite our constant efforts, climate change will regrettably alter the lands and seas they inherit.

"Artificial intelligence holds both promise and peril – unless managed with great wisdom and foresight. Competition for resources will test the international order in ways we cannot yet foresee.

"But this much we do know: our successors will rely on trusted friends. They will need allies prepared to work together across difference; to defend peace and international law; to marry innovation with stewardship; and to think not merely about the next year, but about generations to come."

The menu features Scottish Langoustine and Cornish Crab with Avocado, Tomato consommé, and Celery; Pot Roasted Windsor Pheasant with Spiced Quince, Stuffed Cabbage and Braised Fondant Potatoes in a Dijon Mustard Sauce and a Selection of assorted seasonal vegetables; a dessert of individual Baked Alaska with Balmoral Plum and Windsor Estate Honey Ice Cream.

While a selection of wines is being served, there is no bespoke cocktail for this state visit. Instead, the Windsor Castle team have been inspired by the Omani tradition of Kahwa, a traditional spiced coffee served with dates, and have created special tea blends, including Iced Earl Grey & Date, Iced Mint & Rose, or a Warm Cardamom-Spiced Blend sweetened with Windsor Honey.

Fun fact: it takes staff 30 minutes to light all the candles on the 50 m-long table for tonight's dinner, which has been laid with 480 knives and 480 forks, 160 spoons, 124 cruet spoons and 288 pieces of service cutlery. 

One member of staff has to climb onto the table to reach the tallest candelabra.

In a nod to the UK's unusual string of heatwaves, table decorations include pomegranates harvested from a tree planted on the castle’s East Terrace by the late Prince Philip 50 years ago. 

The flowers chosen to decorate the table include handpicked dahlias, roses, hydrangea, cyclamen and verbena, all plucked from the gardens at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park.

Princess Catherine and Prince William posed for a behind-the-scenes photograph ahead of departing for the banquet. "Ready for tonight’s State Banquet in Windsor," the image was captioned.

The stunning black-and-white portrait was taken at Frogmore House this evening by photographer Greg Williams.