The Princess of Wales has made a major diplomatic statement with her fashion choices as the Qatari State Visit got under way.
The Prince and Princess of Wales greeted Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher, on behalf of King Charles III before accompanying them to Horse Guards parade for the official welcome ceremony.
Catherine returned to one of her favourite designers, Alexander McQueen, for her look. She wore a maroon McQueen coat with a double lapel and finished the look with a coordinating maroon beret made by Sahar Millinery.
Her Royal Highness also wore a necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. She first borrowed the four-strand pearl necklace with a diamond clasp for Prince Philip’s 2021 funeral and then wore the necklace again for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022.
The pairing of maroon and white is a clear nod to the Qatari flag, also maroon and white.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and the Emir and his wife travelled to Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall to meet King Charles for the ceremonial welcome. Queen Camilla did not attend due to health issues.
All five royals then travelled to Buckingham Palace by carriage where they were met by The Queen. After a private lunch and exchange of gifts, they looked at a selection of Royal Collection items related to Qatar.
While the Princess of Wales will not be attending the State Dinner on the evening of day one of the State Visit, Queen Camilla is expected to be there.
