Duchess Kate employed a “clever” technique to ensure her impressive tiara stayed in place during a state dinner at Windsor Castle this week.
A glimpse of the back of her head showed that Middleton, 43, had styled her hair into a bun to help hold the tiara securely on top. This clever move was particularly useful as she hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, during their state visit.
Fans of the Princess of Wales took to social media on Wednesday night, expressing their admiration for both Kate’s appearance and her skilled hairstylist.
“I’m always impressed by how firmly tiaras are attached to royal women’s heads, especially with larger pieces like the one Duchess Kate wore tonight,” one user noted. “She really embodies the essence of a princess.”
Another fan commented, “Thanks to Dan for this brilliant way to keep the tiara secured with her hair at the back. It’s truly an impressive job.”
Yet another user shared, “It’s incredible how these beautiful tiaras stay in place. Duchess Kate’s elegant hair knot was a perfect example of how to secure such lovely heirlooms.”
On that evening, Middleton received quite a bit of attention for donning Queen Victoria’s oriental circlet at the lavish white-tie affair.
According to Garrard, the royal jeweler, this tiara was crafted for Queen Victoria in 1853, guided by her husband, Prince Albert. The piece was originally adorned with opals—Albert’s favored stones—and 2,600 diamonds. However, Queen Alexandra later replaced the opals with rubies, believing opals brought bad luck.
It’s worth noting that this marked the first public appearance of the family treasure in two decades. Previously, it has adorned the heads of the Empress Dowager and Queen Elizabeth. The late Queen only wore this particular tiara once, during a visit to Malta in 2005.
The princess completed her regal ensemble with a sparkling blue cape gown designed by Jenny Packham and Gianvito Rossi pumps. She also carried a bespoke black satin clutch from Anya Hindmarch and wore diamond chandelier earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth.
As a finishing touch, she sported the sash and star of both the Royal Order of Merit and the Royal Victorian Order.
