Prince William and Kate Middleton Attend a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday to attend a state banquet in honor of China's President Xi Jinping. Kate Middleton went glamorous for the event in a red gown and a stunning tiara, though the pin representing The Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth ll honor that many had speculated Kate received in September was noticeably absent. The royal couple joined Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in welcoming the Chinese president and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, who are set to spend four days in the UK as the queen's guests.

There were 130 guests at the state dinner, and the night kicked off with a speech from the queen, who has hosted 110 state visits throughout her reign and who called the state visit "a defining moment in this very special year for our bilateral relationship." Keep reading for more pictures from the special event, then check out the year's best pictures of the British royals!