Kate Middleton showcased a cherished tiara at a recent state banquet, enhancing her reputation for regal elegance. On October 20, the Princess of Wales joined her husband, Prince William, to welcome Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman to the United Kingdom. The event took place at Windsor Castle, with King Charles and Queen Camilla hosting.
Kate adorned her attire with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, a piece of jewelry she has favored since 2015. The princess paired it with a flowing, sunshine-yellow gown designed by Elie Saab. Her ensemble included King Charles’ Royal Family Order badge and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star.
“Kate is wearing what I like to call her ‘old faithful’,” remarked royal commentator Amanda Matta in conversation with Fox News Digital.
The tiara is renowned for its timeless appeal, symbolizing Kate’s steady role in the modern monarchy. With each public appearance, it reflects a touch of romantic history, seamlessly aligning with the sentiments of Kate and William’s relationship. Since her marriage to Prince William in 2011, she has worn five royal tiaras, with the Lover’s Knot as her apparent favorite.
The tiara is a replica originally designed for Queen Mary in 1913 by the House of Garrard. They utilized pearls and diamonds already in her family’s possession. Queen Mary modeled it after a tiara owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge. Initially, Queen Mary sacrificed part of her collection, known as the Ladies of England tiara, to create this piece.
Upon her passing in 1953, Queen Mary bequeathed the tiara to Queen Elizabeth II, who wore it on various occasions. In 1981, Queen Elizabeth loaned it to her daughter-in-law, Princess Diana. The Lover’s Knot was one of only two tiaras ever photographed on Diana. The other was the Spencer tiara, now owned by her brother, Charles Spencer.
After Diana’s divorce in 1996, the tiara returned to Queen Elizabeth II. In contrast, Queen Camilla chose the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara for this event. This headpiece was frequently worn by Queen Elizabeth II throughout her 70-year reign and debuted on Camilla in 2023.
State visits not only display royal finery but also reinforce international ties. The Omani state banquet occurred in St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle, with Buckingham Palace undergoing renovations. People reported that the banquet, attended by 160 guests, featured a 50-meter-long dining table.
Following Omani tradition, guests enjoyed Arabic coffee lightly spiced with cardamom and rose water. Additional beverages included Earl Grey iced tea, mint with rose water, and warm cardamom-spiced tea.
Kate has gradually resumed her royal duties after announcing in September 2024 that she completed chemotherapy, noting her remission in January 2025.