Princess Kate in a Polished Palette of Blue for State Welcome of German President

On Wednesday, the Prince and Princess of Wales were on hand to officially welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, on behalf of His Majesty The King, as they arrived at Heathrow Airport to commence a three-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

​The Prince and Princess of Wales then accompanied the presidential couple by car to Windsor. Around midday, they joined King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the Quadrangle for the Ceremonial Welcome.

Embed from Getty Images

After the military pageantry, the presidential couple joined Their Majesties and Their Royal Highnesses for a carriage procession through the Windsor estate to Windsor Castle for a private luncheon.

Willkommen in Windsor!

It was wonderful to receive The Federal President and Ms. Büdenbender at Windsor Castle earlier today.

They joined The King and Queen for a Ceremonial Welcome in the Quadrangle, and The Federal President was invited to inspect the Guard of Honour. pic.twitter.com/UXAM1XZWn4

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 3, 2025

This was followed by a visit to the Green Drawing Room, where they viewed a special exhibition of German-related pieces from the Royal Collection.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

For the State Visit welcome, the Princess revisited a look first worn on Christmas Day 2023, opting once again for her bespoke blue midi wool coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Embed from Getty Images

Kate accessorized with many of the same pieces she paired with the coat in 2023,  including the Juliette Botterill’s 'Bow and Arrow' Percher Hat in teal blue.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

She carried the Emmy London 'Natasha' Clutch in Navy Suede, and on her feet were the custom Gianvito Rossi Block Heel Boots in Blue Suede.

Kate again paired the look with Princess Diana's Cabochon Sapphire Drop Earrings, while the Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch made a return appearance—this time worn without its emerald pendant.​​

Embed from Getty Images

For the exhibition, the Princess removed her coat to reveal a new dress by Burberry.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The Amelia dress ($2,295) is made from 100% wool in a tonal navy Prince of Wales check and features a tailored fit-and-flare silhouette with a twist-lock belt, concealed back zip, and side-seam pockets. Kate’s version was custom-made with the addition of long sleeves.

She finished the ensemble with her Susan Caplan 1980s vintage five-strand faux pearl necklace, adding a touch of classic elegance.​

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace