Princess Anne commands attention in structured dress and her most precious tiara

LEAVE A COMMENT Princess Anne was the picture of elegance at a glittering state banquet for the Sultan of Oman, held at Windsor Castle by King Charles on Tuesday night.

The 76-year-old royal looked regal in a structured gold dress as she accompanied her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to their seats within the royal residence's spectacular St George's Hall.

Princess Anne made an impression in the floor-length gown featuring a high structured collar, long bell sleeves flared at the cuffs, and a tailored, fitted bodice that flowed into an A-line skirt.

She complemented the neckline of her gown with a delicate gold and diamond necklace alongside matching statement drop earrings. White opera-length evening gloves and a metallic clutch handbag completed her ensemble, as well as her vibrant blue sash.

The Princess Royal opted for her failsafe bouffant hairdo – which she famously declared takes just 10 to 15 minutes to style – and her favourite Meander Tiara.

Created in the early 1900s, it belonged to Princess Alice of Battenberg (who was known as Princess Andrew of Greece after her marriage to Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark, father of Prince Philip).

Her daughter-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, received it as a wedding gift, but she never wore it in public and eventually passed it on to her daughter, Princess Anne.

It has been Anne's signature tiara ever since, worn for decades for official state portraits, banquets, and royal events. She even continued the tradition by passing the tiara on to her own daughter, Zara Tindall, as her "something borrowed" on her 2011 wedding day

King Charles and his family arrived in procession with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said and his top government officials, graciously hosting 160 guests at tonight's major diplomatic event.

Key figures in attendance include Prime Minister Andy Burnham, marking his debut state banquet since taking office, MI6 boss Blaise Metreweli, Omani Olympic athlete Mazoon Al Alawai and Olympic sailor Mohsin Al Busaidi.

The UK and Oman have a long history of military cooperation, including a strategic British base at the Omani port of Duqm.

According to regional media, King Charles and Sultan Haitham are expected to discuss global security and ways to strengthen ties between their nations during the state visit.

The delectable 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.

For dessert, guests will enjoy Baked Alaska with Balmoral Plum and Windsor Estate Honey Ice Cream.

A selection of wines is being served, but there is no bespoke cocktail for this state visit, with inspiration instead harking from the Omani tradition of Kahwa – a traditional spiced coffee served with dates.

The Windsor Castle team have created special tea blends for the occasion, including Iced Earl Grey & Date, Iced Mint & Rose, or Warm Cardamom-Spiced Blend sweetened with Windsor Honey.

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