Duchess Kate Stuns In Red Gown And Familiar Tiara At State Dinner

The Duchess of Cambridge looked absolutely breathtaking Tuesday night at her first state dinner , welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United Kingdom.

Hosted by Queen Elizabeth II , the lavish affair took place at Buckingham Palace and it was nothing short of royal . The former Kate Middleton stunned in a cap-sleeved red gown reportedly custom made by Jenny Packham  and plenty of jewels, including what looks like the very same tiara she wore to a diplomatic reception in 2013.  Borrowed from the queen, the so-called lotus flower or papyrus tiara is said to have originally belonged to the Queen Mother. 

The state dinner marks just the third time Kate has ever worn a tiara, including her wedding . She styled her new fringed haircut  in an updo, showing off gorgeous diamond drop earrings.

This is the first time we've seen the duchess in formal wear since she gave birth to Princess Charlotte  in May, and she certainly didn't disappoint in opting for Packham, one of her favorite British designers . 

We can't help but compare this look to Michelle Obama 's Vera Wang number from the U.S. state dinner with Xi last month. Any excuse to see two of our favorite women all dressed up is just fine in our book. 

Feast your eyes on more of the gorgeousness below.

Also on HuffPost Style: