Queen Camilla made a dazzling appearance at the recent state banquet hosted at Windsor Castle, celebrating the official visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman. The event, held on October 20, 2026, showcased a splendid display of British royal tradition, as the King and Queen, alongside other esteemed members of the royal family, donned their finest white-tie attire.
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The evening unfolded as a grand conclusion to a day rich in ceremonial activities, marking the Sultan’s first day in the United Kingdom. Queen Camilla, at 79 years of age, wore a striking blue gown complemented by the iconic Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara—a cherished piece that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth was frequently seen wearing this tiara throughout her 70-year reign, and it has become emblematic of royal elegance.
The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, originally a wedding gift to the Duchess of York in 1893, carries a storied past. It was commissioned by Lady Eva Greville to celebrate the campaign to support the wives and families of sailors lost in a tragic naval incident. Queen Elizabeth inherited the tiara from her grandmother and fondly referred to it as “Granny’s tiara.” Over the years, adjustments were made, including the replacement of its original pearls with diamonds, enhancing its regal charm.
Despite not wearing a tiara on her wedding day to King Charles in 2005, Queen Camilla has embraced her role as a royal headpiece wearer. In recent years, she has donned several tiaras, including Queen Mary’s Crown during King Charles’s coronation in 2023. This choice reflected her commitment to sustainability by opting to use a crown with historical significance, rather than commissioning a new one.
Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle globally, served as the venue for this prestigious state banquet. Its grand setting is particularly significant as Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing renovations, restricting its availability for such formal ceremonies. The banquet was held in St. George’s Hall, accommodating 160 guests at an impressively adorned table, featuring a remarkable setup of 480 knives, forks, and spoons.
A striking centrepiece for the event was a dragon candelabra, originally commissioned in the 19th century by King William IV. This enchanting piece was embellished with pomegranates harvested from a tree planted by the late Prince Philip, symbolising continuity and nature’s bounty. Royal aides remarked on the exceptional fruiting of the tree during a notably warm summer, further enhancing the banquet’s allure.
Although alcohol was present, it was noted that the Sultan abstained from drinking during the toast. Instead, an Omani Kahwa, a traditional Arabic coffee spiced with cardamom and rose water, welcomed guests at the beginning of the evening. Upholding British traditions, a selection of teas was served after the main course, including two iced varieties and a warm spiced option, showcasing the amalgamation of royal and Omani customs.
As discussions flowed around the table, attendees included notable members of both nations. The Sultan was seated between King Charles and Princess Kate, while other distinguished guests comprised Omani dignitaries and British royals, including Prince William, who engaged with Omani representatives throughout the evening.
Following the banquet, Queen Camilla and King Charles are scheduled to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan mining disaster in South Wales. This looming event recalls a poignant moment in royal history, as Queen Elizabeth faced criticism for her delayed visit to the town after the tragic catastrophe. The upcoming remembrance serves as a reminder of the monarchy’s evolving relationship with public sentiment and its role in acknowledging national tragedies.
The Oman state banquet exemplified the blending of royal heritage and contemporary diplomacy, reinforcing the importance of such gatherings in fostering international relationships. Participants left the evening enchanted not only by the royal glamour but also by the deeper connections forged between the United Kingdom and Oman.