Kate Middleton steals the show with perfect curtsy

The Princess of Wales helped to brighten up a drizzly autumn day when she stepped out to officially welcome the Sultan of Oman for the start of his three-day state visit.

Catherine joined the King and Queen and her husband Prince William at Windsor Castle in honour of the VIP visitors. 

William had been on hand to meet Sultan Haitham bin Tarik at his residence in London before the pair travelled to Windsor together and reunited with the royals on the royal dais at Datchet Road.

It is the first UK state visit for the Sultan - who was educated at Oxford - since he was crowned in 2020.

The Princess opted for a tailored coat in a deep emerald shade by one of her favourite designers, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, which she previously wore in 2025 and 2022.  She completed her look with a black lace top, which was visible above her lapels, a matching green Juliette Botterill hat and her sparkling Prince of Wales Feather Brooch.

Perfectly poised despite the inclement weather, Catherine gave the Sultan a deep curtsy before shaking Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said’s hand as she welcomed him to Windsor. 

Certainly everyone seemed in bright spirits. Queen Camilla opted for an eye-catching red wool crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare, and a hat by Philip Treacy. She also wore a ruby and diamond flower brooch, seemingly a nod to the Omani flag.

King Charles, meanwhile, looked dapper in a top hat and tails and carried a closed umbrella as he made his way up the steps to the dias to await the sultan.

He gave his guest a wide smile as the two men shook hands, and took off his top hat as Oman's national anthem played out.

Following the ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, the group took part in a spectacular carriage ride through the town. 

King Charles rode in the Irish State Coach with Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, with the pair seen happily chatting as they sat side by side. The monarch was also spotted patting down his hair after his brief exposure to the drizzle.

Queen Camilla followed in the Scottish State Coach with Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq Al Said, Oman’s deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. 

The Prince and Princess travelled in the Australian State Coach with Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Sayyid Loay bin Ghalib Al Said, Secretary General of the Diwan of the Royal Court.

Other visiting officials followed in two Ascot Landaus as the procession made its way through Windsor town centre and through the Cambridge Gate into the Castle.

As the carriages swept into the Quadrangle, a Guard of Honour, formed by Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and F Company Scots Guards, gave another royal salute, while the British and Omani national anthems were played by the Band of the Scots Guards.

The King last saw the Sultan in July 2025 for tea at Windsor Castle. Charles has himself made four official visits to Oman,  most recently in January 2020, when he travelled to Muscat to offer condolences following the death of Sultan Qaboos, the Sultan's cousin.

The state visit is the first by an Omani ruler for 44 years, the last one being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 1982.

Later tonight, the King will host a sparkling state banquet inside St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. 

Working members of the royal family will be out in force for the grand evening affair, including Queen Camilla, Princess Catherine and Duchess Sophie, who are expected to bring glamour to the event with gowns and glittering tiaras.