Kate Middleton wears her largest tiara yet for Windsor Castle state banquet

The Princess of Wales debuted Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet at the event held during the German president’s visit

Kate Middleton made a striking appearance at the Windsor Castle state banquet, wearing the largest tiara she has ever showcased in public.

The Princess of Wales selected Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet for Wednesday’s white-tie event held in honour of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Ms. Elke Büdenbender.

 

 

 

 

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She attended the banquet alongside Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family. The tiara, previously worn by the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth, has not been seen publicly since 2005, when the late monarch wore it during a visit to Malta.

According to Garrard, the Oriental Circlet was “crafted for Queen Victoria in 1853 under the direction of her beloved husband and consort, Prince Albert.” The piece was originally set with opals and 2,600 diamonds before Queen Alexandra replaced the opals with rubies after believing the gemstones were unlucky.

Middleton complemented the historic headpiece with a blue Bespoke Cape Gown by Jenny Packham and silver Gianvito Rossi Rania pumps in Silver-Silk Organza. She carried a black satin Bespoke Maud Clutch by Anya Hindmarch and wore chandelier diamond earrings once owned by Queen Elizabeth. Her look was completed with the Royal Family Order and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star.

This occasion marks the fifth tiara the Princess of Wales has worn publicly. Her previous appearances have featured the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Strathmore Rose Tiara and the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara. She wore the Cartier Halo Tiara for her wedding to Prince William in 2011.

More recently, Middleton wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara in September during the state visit of President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, and again months earlier for the French state visit, marking a return to royal duties following her cancer treatment.