Kate Middleton Had “A Lot of Pressure” On Her During the State Visit Even Though She Wasn’t Feeling “100 Percent”

"She is the weapon, not a secret one," royal author Ingrid Seward said of Kate's role in the royal family.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Britain's King Charles, U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales take their seats during a State Banquet at Windsor Castle for the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Phil Noble - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

It's hard to tell in the beaming photos of Kate Middleton at the state banquet during Donald and Melania Trump's state visit to the U.K., but the royal wasn't feeling at the top of her game during the highly-publicized event at Windsor Castle.

Although the Princess of Wales “lit up the table with the megawatt smile" during the banquet, she is still not at "100 percent," royal biographer Ingrid Seward explained in a recent interview with People.

Kate was a certified scene-stealer at the formal event, where she glowed with a positively regal aura in a sheer gold Phillipa Lepley gown and her beloved Queen Mary Lover’s Knot tiara. Still, under the picture-perfect presentation, Seward says the poised royal was feeling the pressure.

“There was a lot of pressure on her because all eyes were on her,” Seward, who is also the editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, explained. “She would be very aware that the most important person there was the King, but she can’t help that all eyes are on her.”

Seward says that even under the immense pressure she was feeling and in spite of not feeling "100 percent," Kate “never looked as good” as she did at the recent state banquet.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Catherine, Princess of Wales arrives for the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and members of the Royal Family at Windsor Castle during the state visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Aaron Chown-WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton beamed in a sheer gold Phillipa Lepley gown and the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot tiara at the state banquet.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"She looked magnificent. She looked golden, and it’s definitely the best I’ve ever seen her look at a state banquet," Seward said. The royal author later added, "She is definitely showing traits of being a remarkable future queen. She has the most beautiful smile, which captivates everyone. It’s just magical."

Seward also stressed Kate's success in her diplomatic role during the banquet, where she sat next to Donald Trump and made conversation throughout the night.

"She obviously amused him,” Seward said of photos of Kate appearing to giggle next to Trump at the state banquet. "She is just a doyenne of perfect manners. He must have made her laugh."

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: King Charles III delivers his speech as US President Donald Trump and Catherine, Princess of Wales listen during the State Banquet at Windsor Castle for the State visit by the President of the United States of America on September 17, 2025 in Windsor, England. President Trump is in England from Sept. 16-18 on his second UK state visit, with the previous one taking place in 2019 during his first presidential term. (Photo by Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Kate Middleton and Donald Trump were seated next to each other at the state banquet, where King Charles delivered a speech.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When asked if Kate is the royal family's "secret weapon," Seward said the answer is no—but only because of the "secret" part.

"She is the weapon, not a secret one," Seward insisted.

Contributing Editor at Marie Claire

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with over 10 years of professional experience covering entertainment of all genres, from new movie and TV releases to nostalgia, and celebrity news. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.