The Fascinating Story Behind Kate Middleton’s Unique Tiara
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, recently made a striking appearance at a state dinner hosted by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, where she donned the exquisite Oriental Circlet tiara, a historic piece from the Windsor jewelry collection.
Originally crafted for Queen Victoria in 1853, the Oriental Circlet is renowned for its beauty and historical significance. It is the fifth royal to adorn the tiara, which was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, the mother of Queen Elizabeth II. Since 2005, the tiara has remained tucked away in the royal collection until Middleton’s recent appearance, where she paired it with a custom-made Jenny Packham gown and chandelier earrings that once belonged to Elizabeth II, as well as the brooch of the Order of Charles III.
The gown, embellished with sequins and featuring a semi-transparent layer, contributed to an ethereal look that captivated attendees.
Sebastian Roloff and Catherine, Princess of Wales ahead of the state banquet for the German President and his wife Elke Budenbender.
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Commissioned by Prince Albert, the Oriental Circlet was designed by Garrard, the Crown jeweler at the time. Albert’s preference for opals—his favorite gemstone—shaped the design of the tiara, which is adorned with approximately 2,600 diamonds. According to Town & Country, Queen Victoria specified in her will that the tiara could only be worn by queens and future queens.
In 1902, Princess Alexandra, Queen Victoria’s daughter-in-law, replaced the opals with rubies, citing superstitions around opals bringing bad luck. The tiara was a cherished piece for the Queen Mother, who frequently wore it, but it has seen limited public use by her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, who last wore it during an official visit to Malta in November 2005. Following a two-decade hiatus, Kate Middleton’s recent choice to wear the Oriental Circlet has brought this iconic tiara back into the public eye.
Elizabeth II, on November 23, 2005 in Malta.
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