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

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.

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.