For her state banquet gown, Kate chose a dark red Givenchy evening gown designed by Sarah Burton, who also designed the princess's wedding dress. Kate and William shared their looks ahead of the state banquet on social media, captioning a photo, "Ready for what promises to be a wonderful State Banquet this evening in Windsor."

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived in Windsor for the start of a three-day state visit – the first by a French president since 2008. Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed the dignitaries when they touched down at RAF Northolt in West London,