Royal Ladies Shine at State Banquet for Korean President

The Royal Ladies graced the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace to welcome the President and First Lady of Korea in a dazzling display of elegance and grace.

Adorned in stunning evening gowns and sparkling tiaras, the ladies exuded regal charm throughout the event.

Notably, the K-pop sensation, Blackpink, added a touch of modern glamour to the affair as they joined the distinguished guests in the ballroom for a lavish dinner.

During his speech, the King paid tribute to Blackpink, acknowledging their presence and contribution to the evening.

Queen Camilla mesmerized onlookers in a striking red Fiona Clear Eldridge gown, accentuated by the exquisite ruby and diamond Burmese tiara once worn by the late Queen.

The tiara, valued at approximately £5 million, holds historical significance as it features rubies gifted to the late Queen on her wedding day in 1947.

The Princess of Wales radiated timeless beauty in a pristine white ensemble paired with exquisite jewelry, captivating all with her impeccable sense of style.

A delightful surprise came in the form of Princess Catherine donning the rarely seen Strathmore Rose tiara, previously owned by the late Queen Mother.

The Duchess of Edinburgh opted for a sustainable fashion choice by reusing her coronation gown, the bespoke cream Susanna Crabbe dress, which she first wore to the historic ceremony of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Speaking exclusively to People, Crabbe shared her vision of creating a unique and iconic yet subtly elegant attire for Sophie, emphasizing confidence and sophistication in the design.

Renowned for her classic and feminine creations infused with British charm, Crabbe drew inspiration from London-based ceramic artist Rachel Dane for the floral embroidery marking the 140th anniversary of Cora's diplomatic ties with the UK.

The King set the tone for the banquet with a speech blending Korean language and references to K-pop culture, delighting the audience, which included members of Blackpink, the world's biggest girl band.

Adhering to the white-tie dress code, Blackpink's Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rose made a stylish entrance at Buckingham Palace in glamorous ensembles.

As captured in a video shared online, the pop stars shared sweet glances and exchanged smiles during the King's address, showcasing camaraderie and mutual admiration.

Blackpink's monumental achievements, such as headlining the BST Hyde Park in the UK and Coachella in the US, underscore their global impact and trailblazing success in the music industry.

The banquet featured nods to Sir Winston Churchill, a favorite of the President, who received official gifts from the royal hosts, including a hand-bound copy of Sir Winston's work, The Tide Book, and a bespoke pashmina for Mrs. Kim.

Acknowledging 140 years of diplomatic relations and cultural exchange between the two nations, the King's mention of Gangnam Style elicited a chuckle from President Yoon, highlighting the shared appreciation for South Korean culture.

Diplomatically referencing past visits, Prince Charles honored the Britons who served in the Korean War, singling out Sergeant William Speakman and Private James Logan for their bravery and sacrifice.

The evening was a blend of tradition, glamour, and diplomatic gestures, symbolizing the enduring bond between the UK and Korea.