A stunning new portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales has been released following Wednesday’s Nigerian State banquet in honour of the occasion.
The couple invited up and coming young British-Nigerian photographer Christianah Ebenezer to take a special photograph of them before the event at Windsor.
It features Catherine, 44, in her flowing green evening gown by Andrew Gn and the Lover’s Knot Tiara with diamond earrings belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth.
She also sports her Royal Family Order of King Charles III and the GCVO Sash and Star.
Behind the couple is a ‘gorgeous’ backdrop featuring free-flowing flowers and trailing foliage, very much in keeping with the princess’ determination, particularly since her cancer diagnosis, to highlight the healing power of Nature as part of her recovery.
Meanwhile William, 43, is dapper in white tie and Windsor tail coat, with his Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the ‘Lesser George’.
He also sported his ‘Miniature Medals’, notably that of the Order of the Bath, as well as his Queen Elizabeth Gold, Diamond and Platinum Jubilee medals and his father’s Coronation medal.
William’s ‘Chest Orders’ were the Most Noble Order of the Garter Most Ancient and the Most Noble Order of the Thistle. His Neck Order was that of the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
Kensington Palace described the portrait as ‘fabulous’ and said it was the royal couple’s first time working with Christianah, although she did previously take the Duchess of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday portraits last year.
A stunning new portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales has been released following Wednesday’s Nigerian State banquet in honour of the occasion
The Princess of Wales dazzled in a green evening gown by Andrew Gn with her favourite Lover’s Knot Tiara and earrings belong to Queen Elizabeth II
The King and the president lead the procession into St George’s Hall for the banquet
Although Sophie is close to the princess it is not believed that she recommended her, however Catherine would have been aware of their collaboration which was widely praised.
The Princess of Wales, in particularly is a keen photographer and the Royal Patron of the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Photographic Society.
Christianah was born in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to London as a child and has been described as a ‘fitting choice for the occasion’ an ‘an amazing up and coming talent’.
She said: ‘It was a true honour to collaborate on this piece. Blending our shared creativity with elements of classic portraiture and nature, the team worked seamlessly to capture this moment ahead of the Nigerian State Banquet – something I’m deeply humbled to have seen come together so beautifully.’
London-born Christianah says she finds her inspiration from ‘classic portraiture and cinema’ and her images are saturated with colour and texture. She attributes her Christian faith in part for her inspiration.
The photographer has been named both a Forbes 30 Under 30 Arts and Culture Leader and a British Fashion Council New Wave Creative.
In 2024 two of her portraits were unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery.
The King and Queen today said a formal goodbye to the President of Nigeria and the First Lady following a hugely successful two-day State Visit, the highlight of which was Wednesday’s glittering banquet at Windsor Castle.
On Wednesday night, the King hosted a state banquet in honour of the couple that was attended by senior royals, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.
Catherine broke into a winning smile as she took her seat next to the Nigerian president
King Charles and Queen Camilla pulled out all the stops for their guests from West Africa
The Princess arrived at the banquet flanked by husband, the Prince of Wales, and The Duke of Edinburgh
The Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present, as Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, took their seats among the British royals for the highlight of their two-day visit.
Princess Catherine looked impossibly regal in a flowing green evening gown as she showed the guests the best of British hospitality, smiling warmly as she took her seat between the president and another of his entourage.
The rest of the present royals added to the dazzling display, with the Prince of Wales wearing a white tie with the Windsor tailcoat and his Most Noble Order of the Garter Sash with the ‘Lesser George’ badge.
Meanwhile, Queen Camilla sported a cream embroidered gown by Fiona Clare with a sapphire and diamond tiara with matching earrings, both belonging to Queen Elizabeth II and given to her by her late father, George VI, as a wedding gift.
The King also wore a blinding array of diamond-studded orders as he led the procession into the banquet hall and stood to give a speech.
Notable Nigerians include author Sir Ben Okri, artist Yinka Shonibare, former footballer Eniola Aluko, singer Tiwa Savage, presenter Ade Adepitan, ex-athlete Christine Ohuruogu and Diana Awards chief Tessy Ojo.
In a speech, the King began by wishing his guests ‘peace, blessings and an abundance of joy’ during such a holy month.
He highlighted the fact that, in January, Nigeria became the UK’s biggest export market in Africa.
King Charles III, Queen Camilla (left), Nigeria’s president Bola Tinubu and Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu (right) arrive to attend the banquet
President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu claps in his seat between Princess Kate and King Charles III, who is making a speech
Liberal Democrat party leader Ed Davey speaks to Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, during the banquet
He also praised the UK’s large Nigerian diaspora, which he described as a ‘living bridge of over half a million people who connect our nations… and help make our cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more prosperous’.
The King acknowledged that there are ‘chapters in our shared history that I know have left some painful marks’ but said that ‘history is not merely a record of what was done to us – it is a lesson in how we go forward together to continue building a future rooted in growth and hope for all, and worthy of of those who borne the pains of the past’.
He concluded to cheers: ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ – Nigerians Never Come Last.
Adjustments had been made for those guests who are Muslim and fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, including setting aside an area for prayer and Iftar.
Indeed, for the first time in living memory, the royal household was serving canapés at the pre-banquet reception for guests to break their fast, mindful of the fact that, after the speeches, people would not be eating until 9pm.
While the president – the first Nigerian leader to be honoured with a state visit in 37 years – had been given orange juice for his toast, a special non-alcoholic cocktail was also made in honour of the occasion.
Based on a traditional African cocktail known as the Chapman, the royal Crimson Bloom contained Zobo (a traditional West African soft drink), English rose soda and homemade hibiscus and ginger syrup, with lemon and a hint of spice.
English sparkling wine was used for the toasts for those who were drinking alcohol, and the menu did not include meat.
This morning, the president and first lady left Windsor Castle at 10.30am to travel to Westminster Abbey, where the President laid a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.
Afterwards, the Nigerian president travelled to No.10 for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister.