The Gist
Kate Middleton was absolutely stunning at the Nigerian state banquet at Windsor Castle on March 18.
The Princess of Wales wowed in a forest green gown by Andrew Gn, thought to have been chosen as an homage to the green in Nigeria’s flag.
Beneath her flowing dress, though, was a pair of Manolo Blahniks that paid a subtle tribute to Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City.
Kate Middleton paid sartorial tribute to a few people at the Nigerian state visit—Princess Diana, for starters, whose Collingwood pearl earrings she wore as the visit kicked off and whose style the Princess of Wales clearly emulated as a reference.
The future queen also paid tribute to the Queen Mother on March 18, wearing a pair of her sapphire and diamond fringe earrings at the evening’s state banquet, which she flawlessly paired with a high-necked forest green gown by Andrew Gn. The dress, from the brand’s autumn/winter 2021 collection, featured long, sheer balloon sleeves and elegantly honored the green shade of the Nigerian flag.
Sir Timothy Laurence, Prince Edward, Kate Middleton, and Prince William at the Nigerian state banquet
Credit: Getty
But the most unexpected style tribute Kate paid on Wednesday? A subtle homage to Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City. Beneath her gown, the Princess of Wales wore a pair of embellished green Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps—long known as a favorite shoe designer of Carrie’s on the show, and whose blue version of the pumps were made famous on Sex and the City.
Kate wore Diana’s favorite tiara—and her own favorite tiara—the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot atop her head, wearing her brunette tresses in long waves. She completed her look with a Jenny Packham clutch.
Kate Middleton on March 18, 2026
Credit: Getty
Though Kate’s dress on Wednesday evening was long, her satin 4-inch Manolos peeked out from beneath the gown. The shoes represent a style switch up for Kate, who typically leans towards wearing Gianvito Rossi heels, or, like earlier in the day, snakeskin heels in a neutral tone, as she did by wearing a pair of gray snakeskin Hugo Boss heels to kick off the day’s events.
Per Hello!, Kate has actually never worn her Hangisis in public, as the only time these shoes have been seen on Kate was back in 2022, when she appeared in a portrait wearing the pair alongside a matching green Vampire’s Wife dress. The painting was done by Jamie Coreth.
Prince Edward, Kate Middleton, and Prince William at Windsor Castle
Credit: Getty
Kate Middleton on March 18, 2026
Credit: Getty
That said, Kate has worn Manolos in public, and recently. She turned to the brand’s heels for the Royal Variety Performance last November, choosing the more understated BB style to pair with her green velvet Talbot Runhof gown.
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