Star studded evening at White House for Charles and Camilla

Nov 3, 2005, 2:21 GMT

Washington - Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, glittered in a long midnight silk taffeta skirt topped with a black cashmere sequined blazer-like jacket as she stepped onto the White House portico Wednesday evening for her formal American debut.

But her hostess, Laura Bush, outsparkled her in every way, dressed in an amber-brown scoop-necked dress with matching jewelry.

The formal dinner event at the White House topped a full day of White House activities for Camilla and husband Charles, Prince of Wales, 57, who had a White House lunch with U.S. President George W. Bush, wife Laura and several of the presidents siblings and their spouses.

The heir to the British throne and Camilla, 58, are on their first trip abroad since marrying in April, and Americans are sizing her up against the woman Camilla displaced from the prince's heart - Lady Diana, who wowed the public with a White House visit in the 1980s when she danced with Hollywood actor and dancer, John Travolta.

Diana was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1997, but was already divorced from Charles after finding out about his life-long affair with Camilla, who has always been hard put to match the late Princess of Wales for fashion, beauty and style.

Camilla wore a diamond serpent necklace that is an heirloom of her own family. Robinson Valentine, who created both of her wedding outfits, designed Camilla's evening wear.

The British royal couple arrived amid the din of protests across the street from the White House by a group of Ethiopians demonstrating for democracy in their home country. Recent Ethiopian elections have sparked ongoing protests in that East African country.