Kate Middleton’s Timeless Tiara: A Highlight of the State Banquet
Kate Middleton consistently chooses the elegance of a favorite tiara for royal events. At a recent state banquet, she showcased Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, a piece she often selects for such occasions.
Royal Event at Windsor Castle
On October 20, Kate Middleton, along with Prince William, participated in hosting Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman during his state visit to the United Kingdom at Windsor Castle. The event was marked by Kate’s familiar choice of wearing Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, which she first adopted in 2015.
The Princess of Wales complemented her ensemble with a sunshine-yellow gown crafted by Elie Saab, alongside King Charles’ Royal Family Order badge and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star.
Amanda Matta, a royal commentator, remarked on Kate’s style, noting her constancy within the modern monarchy. Matta emphasized that the repeated choice of this tiara at the event allowed the focus to remain on the visiting Sultan of Oman and hosts King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Origins and Legacy of the Tiara
The Lover’s Knot tiara is rooted in history, initially crafted by the House of Garrard for Queen Mary in 1913, utilizing pearls and diamonds from her family’s collection. A replica, the tiara was modeled after a piece owned by Princess Augusta, the Duchess of Cambridge. The original is believed to be privately held.
The tiara’s backstory includes Queen Mary sacrificing her Ladies of England tiara to create the Lover’s Knot. Upon her death in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II inherited and wore the tiara on multiple occasions, later lending it to Princess Diana in 1981.
Diana favored the Lover’s Knot alongside the Spencer tiara, which belonged to her father and now rests with her brother, Charles Spencer. After her divorce in 1996, the Lover’s Knot returned to Queen Elizabeth II.
Royal Tiaras at the Banquet
At the recent banquet, Queen Camilla wore the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, a staple during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and first worn by Camilla in 2023.
State visits, such as this, serve diplomatic purposes beyond displaying jewels. Coordinated with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the royal household, these visits enhance international relations. During the Omani state banquet, St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle hosted 160 guests with a lavish table setting.
In line with Omani customs, Arabic coffee spiced with cardamom and rose water was served, along with iced teas of Earl Grey and mint with rose water, and a warm cardamom-spiced tea.
Kate’s Health Journey
Kate Middleton is returning to her royal duties after completing chemotherapy, a treatment she began in September 2024. She publicly announced her remission in January 2025, allowing her to resume her responsibilities gradually.
The elegance displayed by Kate Middleton at such events continues to reflect the enduring style and grace associated with the British monarchy.