Trump calls Kate ‘so radiant and so healthy’ as she wears gold gown at banquet
By Laura Elston, PA Court Correspondent
Britain's Princess of Wales was hailed as “so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful” by Donald Trump as she wore a gold gown at the UK state banquet.
Kate Middleton wore a couture creation by British designer Phillipa Lepley, with a striking full-length, champagne gold hand-embroidered Chantilly lace evening coat featuring a regal-looking high collar over a silk crepe gown.
Mr Trump made a point of referencing the princess, who announced at the start of the year that she was in remission from cancer, in his banquet speech, describing her as “so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful”.
Kate was sat next to the American leader at the banquet table and was seen smiling up at him as he delivered his speech.
Mr Trump also praised the Prince of Wales, saying: “His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing.
“We’ve gotten to know you and I think you’re going to have an unbelievable success in future.”
He added: “Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful. It’s really a great honour, thank you.”
Kate beamed as she stood and raised her glass to toast the president after he addressed the 160 guests in St George’s Hall.
Before the UK state dinner, Kate and William posed for a photo taken by one of their favoured photographers Matt Porteous.
The pair were shown standing side by side in their banquet finery, with the portrait posted on Kensington Palace’s social media, with the words “Ready for The State Banquet” followed by American and UK flag motifs.
Kate’s delicate coat featured hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms, demonstrating her commitment to supporting British craftsmanship and creativity.
Her earrings belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth and the princess opted for her go-to tiara the Lover’s Knot Tiara and wore her hair down and styled in waves.
Earlier in the day, Mr Trump appeared to tell future queen, Kate, “You’re so beautiful, so beautiful” as she greeted him and the first lady Melania Trump at Victoria House with the Prince of Wales at the start of the historic state visit.
Kate played a key role during the royal charm offensive deployed towards the American leader as she was tasked along with William as being the first to meet the Trumps from Marine One on Wednesday morning, walking with him to see King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Heir to the throne William and Kate also held a “warm and friendly” private meeting with the Trumps in Windsor Castle after lunch.
The engagement had not been previously announced as part of the official schedule.
Kate was also wearing the Royal Family Order of King Charles III, Royal Family Order of Elizabeth II, Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order and GCVO Star and Sash.
First lady Melania Trump, meanwhile, opted for a fitted, more daring off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved vivid yellow gown, with contrasting wide pink buckled belt.
Queen Camilla was wearing a royal blue silk marocain embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, and a sapphire and diamond tiara, and the King’s Family Order.
William was in white tie and a Windsor tail coat, and the Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the Lesser George.
He was also wearing his miniature medals – Order of the Bath and the Golden, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee and Coronation medal – as well as Chest Orders of the Order of the Garter and Order of the Thistle and the Neck Order of the Order of the Bath.