Kate's Secret Compliment to Camilla Revealed During Nigerian State Visit
The Royal Family showcased its signature pomp and pageantry this week as King Charles and Queen Camilla welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu of Nigeria to the United Kingdom. This marked the first state visit of 2026, with Prince William and Princess Kate playing key roles in the welcoming ceremonies at Windsor Castle.
A Sweet Moment Between Kate and Camilla
During the inspection of the guards on the dais, Princess Kate and Queen Camilla shared a particularly affectionate moment. As they greeted each other on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the two leaned in close and exchanged kisses on the cheek. Lip reader Nicola Hickling, speaking to the Daily Express, revealed that Kate likely opened the conversation with "Good morning, how are you?" before complimenting Camilla with "you look beautiful!"
Camilla looked sophisticated in a pink wool crepe dress by designer Fiona Clare, paired with a pink beret-shaped hat by Philip Treacy. She also adorned the late Queen Elizabeth II's Cartier flower clip brooches, adding a touch of historical elegance to her ensemble. Crowds gathered on the streets of Windsor to witness the grand welcome, capturing the royal spectacle.
William and Kate Break from Tradition
Later in the evening, Prince William and Princess Kate made a significant departure from royal protocol ahead of the state banquet. In previous years, the couple had consistently posted a portrait to their official Instagram account before each state banquet, offering royal enthusiasts an early glimpse of their outfits. However, on Wednesday night, no such photo was shared initially.
Instead, the official Instagram account for the Prince and Princess of Wales posted a video highlighting moments from the glitzy evening. It was only 24 hours after the event that William and Kate finally shared the stunning portrait, much to the anticipation of their followers. Many royal fans expressed their excitement in the comments, with one noting, "Thank you so much! We were all expecting this portrait last night and we were sad to not see it since the ones last year were amazing. You both look absolutely gorgeous and elegant."
For the banquet, Kate wore the Lover's Knot Tiara and a long emerald gown designed by British-Nigerian designer Andrew Gn. The gown featured a high neckline and flowing skirt, thoughtfully reflecting the green colour of the Nigerian flag in a nod to the visiting nation.
Historical Significance of the Visit
President Tinubu's stay in the UK held historical importance as it was the first incoming state visit by a Muslim leader during the holy month of Ramadan in nearly a century. During Ramadan, many Muslims fast and refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset. Consequently, there was no traditional lunch with the King at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. It is believed that the Nigerian president privately broke his fast before joining the Royal Family in St George's Hall for the evening banquet, accommodating religious observances with royal hospitality.
