King Charles wore an item of clothing previously deemed controversial during a Buckingham Palace reception for the Diplomatic Corps.
The spotlight was on his satin breeches, which had sparked debate ahead of his Coronation last year. While the King opted for Royal Navy trousers during the Westminster Abbey ceremony, he chose the breeches for this occasion, pairing them with matching black silk stockings.
To complete his attire, King Charles displayed a garter bearing the motto of the Order of the Garter—the highest order of chivalry. The French inscription, Honi soit qui mal y pense, translates to “shame on he who thinks ill of it.”
Queen Camilla accompanied the King, wearing a tiara rich in royal history. Making its debut on Camilla, the aquamarine ribbon tiara features five large aquamarines set among intricate diamond ribbons.
Previously worn by Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to Canada, and by the Duchess of Edinburgh on two occasions, the tiara perfectly complemented Camilla’s navy-blue velvet evening gown by Fiona Clare.
The Prince of Wales also attended, dressed in a formal black evening tailcoat paired with a white shirt, waistcoat, and bow tie. However, this marked the first time in a decade that Prince William appeared at the event without his wife, the Princess of Wales.
Kate has been gradually resuming her royal duties following her recovery from cancer. In September, she shared her “relief” in a heartfelt family video, announcing the completion of a preventative chemotherapy course. Just a week later, she hosted an Early Years meeting at Windsor Castle and has since attended several royal engagements.
