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British Royals

The Princess of Wales picks Dior for start of historic French State Visit

The Princess of Wales in a bar jacket by Dior and a 1940s style hat by Jess Collett at the official welcome ceremony for the State Visit of the President of France

The Princess of Wales made a diplomatic fashion choice as the important French State Visit to the UK got under way.

Kate wore Dior as she arrived at RAF Northolt to meet President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, as they began their three day trip.

President Macron showed all his charm as he greeted the Princess, bowing to kiss her hand as he stepped off the plane.

New take on Dior favourite

The Dior outfit chosen by the Princess of Wales featured a version of its famous bar jacket. This one came from the couturier’s 2024 collection and is called 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar.

The Prince and Princess of Wales greet President and Mrs Macron at the start of the French State Visit. Kate chose Dior for the welcome ceremony.
The Prince and Princess of Wales welcome President and Mrs Macron to the UK
(AS1 Dominic Graves RAF/ UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025)

The pale blush pink top was paired with a long, pleated tulle skirt and a hat in the same shade by Jess Collett who made the striking crystal headpiece worn by the Princess at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May 2023.

The outfit was a perfect match for the dress chosen by Brigitte Macron which was in cream with light taupe bars.

Kate’s jewellery was pearls – the Princess chose a pair of earrings that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales and the stunning three strand necklace that she inherited from Queen Elizabeth II.

Bright green for The Queen

Queen Camilla chose bright emerald green for the start of the State Visit. Her Majesty wore a coat dress by Anna Valentine and a large, wide brimmed hat by Philip Treacy.

Queen Camilla and Brigitte Macron smile and chat at the start of the French State Visit to the UK. Queen Camilla wore bright green while Mrs Macron is in white.
Queen Camilla chose bright green for the start of the State Visit
(i-Images/ Pool)

The State Visit began with an official welcome at Home Park and a carriage ride to Windsor Castle which saw King Charles and President Macron conveyed in the 1902 State Landau.

After a ceremonial welcome at the Castle, the King and Queen held lunch inside where they were joined by the Royal Family in welcoming President and Mrs Macron.

Full coverage of the State Visit on Royal Central.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Editor in Chief at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.