Why Wasn't Kate Middleton Wearing a Sash at the State Banquet?
The Duke of Cambridge, Prince Charles, and the Queen all sported a sash of some kind at the Buckingham Palace event.


At the State Banquet (opens in new tab) to welcome King Felipe and Queen Letizia (opens in new tab) of Spain to the UK this week, the Duchess of Cambridge looked every ounce the important Royal. (opens in new tab)
To accompany her princess-appropriate blush-pink Marchesa gown, the Duchess wore a tiara which belonged to Princess Diana (opens in new tab) and an eye-catching necklace on loan from the Queen.
However, there was one accessory which distinguished her from the other royals in attendance: The sash.
The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Princess Anne were all seen sporting a sash of some variety. The reason the Duchess of Cambridge was not? Because she is not a member of an Order.
Last night The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry attended the State Banquet in honour of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/ZCdaIyVbaXJuly 13, 2017
There are various Orders, one of the most famous being the Order of the Garter: A tradition dating back centuries where the monarch chooses senior members of the royal family and 24 'knights' to join the group. The knights used to be just from aristocracy, but now can be selected for their contribution to public life. For example, former Prime Minister Sir John Major is one.
All of the Queen's children are members of the Garter, and grandson Prince William was appointed too in 2008.
More from the state banquet - including the back of Kate's Marchesa dress pic.twitter.com/tRlMZpLIdMJuly 12, 2017
There is also the Royal Family Order, which sees the Queen bestow the honour onto female members of the Royal Family. Both Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, and Prince Edward's wife, Sophie, have been appointed.
Kate has not yet received the honour but it is worth noting that the Countess of Wessex was appointed in 2004, five years after marrying the Earl of Wessex, and the Duchess of Cornwall was appointed in 2007 – two years after marrying the future King.
The Duchess of Cambridge in Diana's Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, and a pale pink lace Marchesa gown #SpainStateVisit pic.twitter.com/R2iSctgDtFJuly 12, 2017
The fact that the Duchess of Cambridge is the Queen's granddaughter-in-law as opposed to daughter-in-law might have something to do with the delayed invitation, People (opens in new tab) reports. Additionally, Kate has only really started getting into the full swing of royal engagements, especially individual ones, in recent years. Camilla and Sophie are much more experienced in this area.
This is by no means is an indication of the relationship between the Queen and Kate - she might just be waiting for her to fulfil more royal duties, People suggests. The two are believed to get on very well, with the Duchess speaking fondly about how The Queen has been a "gentle guidance" (opens in new tab) to her last year.
Follow Marie Claire on F (opens in new tab)acebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Olivia is ELLE's Digital News Editor covering pop culture, royal, lifestyle and women's news and features. Previously a features writer for Hearst's digital brands and lifestyle reporter at The Independent, she's amassed a healthy - and varied - expertise of Meghan Markle, women's and reproductive health issues and all 10 seasons of Friends.
-
Princess Charlotte Doesn’t Look to Older Brother Prince George to “Take the Lead”
She “knows her own mind,” an expert says.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Kate Middleton Wants Prince Harry to Come to the U.K. for Prince William’s 40th Birthday Party
“Birthdays are a time, as she’s pointed out, of celebration, families, and having loved ones around you.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Started Plotting Royal Exit Far Sooner Than We Thought
Discussions began just six months after their wedding, an expert says.
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Join #ReadWithMC: Marie Claire's Virtual Monthly Book Club
Never feel guilty about skipping book club again.
By The Editors
-
The 50 Best Love Songs of All Time
The best, most romantic love songs ever written, spanning every genre.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
The 80 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time
Where does your fave fall on the list?
By The Editors
-
The 15 Best Comedy Movies on Hulu
For when you just need a good laugh.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
90 Must-Watch Movies: The Best Movies of All Time
The essentials. (Netflix password not included.)
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
The 79 Best '90s Movies That Are Modern Classics
Truly the golden age of cinema.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The 50 Best Feel-Good Movies to Curl Up With
PJs, a glass of wine, and these films.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
The 51 Best Musical Movies to Get You Singing
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell