A Night of Elegance: Royalty, Celebrities, and Politicians Dazzle at the State Banquet for South Korea’s President
Buckingham Palace glittered with glamour on 21 November as it hosted a spectacular state banquet for South Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon Hee. The event, which marked the beginning of their three-day visit to the UK, was a dazzling display of royal and celebrity style, with attendees including The Princess of Wales, the K-pop sensation Blackpink, and high-profile figures like Akshata Murty.
The Princess of Wales, known for her impeccable style, stole the spotlight by wearing the Strathmore Rose Tiara, a historic piece previously owned by the Queen Mother. Paired with the stunning Jenny Packham ‘Anemone’ gown, she added a touch of royal elegance, completing her look with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond earrings and a pearl-embellished clutch by Anya Hindmarch.
The star-studded evening also saw Blackpink members grace the event in designer gowns, further enhancing the glamour of the occasion. Jisoo wore a dramatic puffed Dior gown, while Lisa chose a turquoise caped creation by Georges Hobeika. Rosé shone in a black strapless dress by Pinkong, and Jennie made a statement in an off-shoulder white gown by Toni Matičevski.
In a striking red velvet gown by Fiona Clare Couture, Queen Camilla embraced the same bold colour that The Princess of Wales had worn earlier, accessorising with the ruby Burmese Tiara. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, honoured Queen Elizabeth II with a white Suzannah London gown, featuring hand-embroidered details inspired by the Queen’s Coronation gown.
Other notable appearances included Akshata Murty, who wore a claret-red silk-satin dress from Saloni, and Victoria Starmer, who selected a ruched velvet gown. Samantha Cameron, the wife of former Prime Minister David Cameron, championed her own fashion label, Cefinn, with a green metallic midi dress, adding another layer of personal style to the evening’s event.
