Duchess Kate Dazzles in Grand Tiara at Windsor Castle Dinner
Duchess Kate turned heads at a state dinner held at Windsor Castle, donning the largest tiara she has ever worn. This event took place on Wednesday night as she welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, on their official visit alongside the royal family.
The elegant white-tie gathering saw the presence of Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla, and others. The tiara — known as Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet — has a storied history, having been worn by notable figures like the Empress Dowager and Queen Elizabeth II, although the late Queen only showcased it once during her lifetime, on a trip to Malta in 2005.
This marked the first time Duchess Kate wore the crown publicly since then. Reports indicate that the tiara was “created for Queen Victoria in 1853” under the guidance of her husband, Prince Albert. Originally adorned with opals — which were one of Albert’s favorites — the piece was later modified by Queen Alexandra, who swapped the opals for rubies due to her belief that opals brought bad luck.
To complement the grandeur of the tiara, the princess wore a stunning blue bespoke gown by Jenny Packham, which she paired with silver Gianvito Rossi Lanier pumps and a chic black satin clutch by Anya Hindmarch. She accessorized with diamond chandelier earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth, adding a touch of royal legacy to her ensemble.
In total, this is the fifth tiara that Duchess Kate has sported in public. Previously, she has been seen wearing the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Strathmore Rose Tiara, and the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara, among others. Notably, she wore the Cartier Halo Tiara during her wedding to Prince William back in 2011.
Most recently, she donned the Lover’s Knot Tiara during a state visit with then-President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in September. Earlier this year, she made headlines again when she wore the same tiara during a state visit to France in July, which was a notable moment after she resumed royal duties following her health challenges.
