Queen Camilla set the tone for her historic State Visit to the United States with a nod to history.
As well as choosing an emblematic and rarely seen gem that was given to Queen Elizabeth II by the US, she also reflected the State Visit wardrobe choices of the last British consort to visit Washington, Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother.
The Queen Mother, as consort, was known for bringing pastel based couture on her highest profile State Visits, bringing an image of softness and subtlety but showcasing the best design of her own country and that she was visiting.
Queen Camilla opted for a similar vibe to start the State Visit to the US, seen as one of the most crucial in decades.
Pastels dominated with The Queen taking another leaf out of the Queen Mother’s book and shaping the shades into her own favoured silhouettes.
Coat dresses are a staple of Queen Camilla’s wardrobe and as she arrived at the White House to meet US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, her pick was the subtlest of shades.
The Queen wore white for her inaugural visit to the White House as consort and turned to one of her favourite designers. The coat dress chosen for this historic moment was by Anna Valentine and featured full length sleeves, a V neck and A line skirt.
It was finished in bespoke black and white patterning along the collar line and hem. In addition, Queen Camilla wore the flag brooch given to Elizabeth II on her first State Visit to the US In 1957.
The brooch was presented to the late Queen by the then Mayor of New York, Robert F. Wagner Jnr, and it features the Union flag and the Stars and Stripes intertwined. It was a highly symbolic choice by Queen Camilla, honouring both Elizabeth II and the special relationship between the US and the UK which is at the heart of this State Visit.
The same gem had been pinned to the pale pink couture that Queen Camilla had worn for her arrival in the United States. As she stepped off the plane ain Maryland, The Queen was wearing a Dior coat dress featuring a belted waist and paired with beige shoes and bag.
The was another nod to Queen Elizabeth II hidden in the choice – pale pink was one of her favourite shades and often worn for State Visits.
