CATHERINE the Duchess of Cambridge has dazzled guests at a glittering state banquet at Buckingham Palace in London, arriving in a stunning tiara and elaborate diamond and pearl earrings and necklace.

Prince William’s wife wore the Lover’s Knot tiara to the banquet on Tuesday night, which was held in honour of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands’ state visit.

The stunning tiara was one of Princess Diana’s most iconic jewellery pieces and was designed in 1914 for Queen Mary.

However it wasn’t seen after Diana’s death until 2015, when the Duchess first wore it.

Catherine’s headpiece was paired with the Collingwood pearl drop earrings which had previously been owned by Princess Diana, and Queen Alexandra’s wedding necklace. She teamed her diamonds with a kingfisher blue Alexander McQueen floor-length gown.

Prince William wore a white bow tie with a black suit with two military medals to attend the banquet.

The hostess, Queen Elizabeth II, wore the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara which dates back to the early 1890s, which she paired with a brooch made from the Cullinan III and IV diamonds, cut from the giant Cullinan stone.

She wore a floor-length white gown, as did Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla also wore her favourite Greville tiara.

Prime Minister Theresa May was among the guests, who also included Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The Dutch royals’ two-day visit was aimed at strengthening ties with the UK ahead of the country’s split from the EU.

It was an historic occasion for the British royal family as the Dutch monarch has not made a state visit to the UK in almost four decades.

Princes Charles and Camilla initially welcomed the royal couple at the Dutch Ambassador’s Residence in Kensington, west London, before they were officially greeted by the Queen at Horse Guards Parade. Royals do not bow or curtesy to each other, so Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander kissed the Queen on both cheeks before embarking on a carriage procession to Buckingham Palace.

The Dutch royals attended a lunch at the palace before visiting Westminster Abbey where they laid a wreath at the grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Their visit is one of a number of “Brexit diplomacy” trips where members of the British royal family have either travelled to EU countries or hosted European royalty in the UK in an attempt to strengthen friendships in the wake of the referendum.

Prince Andrew also visited Hungary last month in what was reported as a Brexit diplomacy mission. The Dutch royals also visited the Houses of Parliament and enjoyed

afternoon tea at Clarence House.

In a statement, Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the two countries had a rich history.

“So it is a pleasure to welcome His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to the United Kingdom, reflecting our enduring commitment to this partnership,” he said.

“Together we work to further peace and security across the globe, tackling threats from terrorism and cyber and promoting values of freedom.”