Kate Shines in Princess Diana’s Tiara at State Banquet for Dutch Royals

The Duchess of Cambridge looked stunning as she arrived at Buckingham Palace for a state banquet hosted in honour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.

Kate, 36, wore a glittering diamond tiara that once belonged to Princess Diana, adding a touch of glamour to the occasion.

She was joined by her husband Prince William, 36, and other members of the royal family.

The banquet was attended by 150 guests, including the Prime Minister, Princess Michael of Kent, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Princess Mabel, the widow of the Dutch King's brother Prince Frizzo who died five years ago in a skiing accident.

The Queen, 92, used the opportunity to speak publicly about Brexit for the first time, saying in a speech that “as we look toward a new partnership with Europe, the values shared by the UK and the Netherlands are our greatest assets.”

King Willem-Alexander, 52, also expressed his sadness over Brexit in an address to parliamentarians at Westminster earlier in the day.

The Dutch royals kicked off their two-day state visit, the first by a sitting Dutch monarch in 40 years, with a ceremonial welcome and horse guards parade this morning before carrying out engagements at the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and Clarence House.

Kate was wearing the Royal Family Order just below her left shoulder, a personal gift from the Queen to female members of the Royal Family.

She first wore it at the diplomatic reception before Christmas, but it likely wasn't seen as just car shots were taken publicly.

The order takes the form of a picture of the Queen, and in Kate's case, it is on glass.

Previously, they had been made with ivory, but in keeping with William and Kate's shared hope to halt the use of wild animal parts, Kate's was made with glass.

Kate was seated between one of the Dutch King's aides, Rear Admiral Udger Brummeler and Lord Fowler, the Speaker of the House of Lords.

Six seats to the right of the Queen sat Prince William, whose neighbours at the table were Prime Minister Theresa May and the head of the Dutch royal household Jan Versteeg.

Prince Charles sat next to his mother and Queen Maxima.

William and Kate are becoming regular fixtures on the list of royals welcoming heads of state.

Last year, they joined the senior royals at the dinner for the Spanish Canaan Queen.

That night was also Prince Harry's first official state banquet appearance in support of his grandmother the Queen.

The extensive planning for a state banquet starts about six months before the big event, with invitations sent out two months ahead.

The Dutch royals' visit is the first by a sitting Dutch monarch in 40 years, making it an important occasion for both countries.

The banquet was a lavish affair, with guests enjoying a sumptuous meal and entertainment provided by musicians and dancers.

The event provides an opportunity for the UK and the Netherlands to strengthen their ties and build new partnerships.