Pop culture

Why Has Kate Middleton Only Worn 4 Royal Tiaras?

Over the years, Kate Middleton has only worn four tiaras. Here, we take a look at why.

accessories accessory jewelry person human

Over the years, Kate Middleton has worn some outstanding royal jewels, which have become synonymous with her glamor and elegance. You've likely seen images of the Princess of Wales wearing stunning pieces with gemstones and breathtaking designs, but did you know that in her decade as a royal, she's only publicly donned four different royal tiaras? British royalty has strict rules regarding the use of the sparkling headpiece, which makes the occasions we see these gems so special.

The first time Kate wore a tiara was at her wedding, where she wore the Cartier Halo design. The reason for this is simple: “Traditionally, tiaras are a sign of marriage," Grant Harrold, etiquette expert and formal royal butler told Insider. "So, normally, they can be worn ​​by a bride on her wedding day, or after she gets married, she can wear one to any white tie event.” According to him, women born as princesses in British royalty can also use the item.

Kate Middleton wore the Cartier Halo tiara at her wedding
Kate Middleton wore the Cartier Halo tiara at her wedding (Photo: Getty Images)

In addition to opening the door to wearing tiaras, weddings are also an exception to another rule of when the item can be donned: the time. “Tradition dictates that tiaras are not worn before 6 p.m., although weddings are an exception,” explained Richard Fitzwilliams, Royal Commentator, to Insider.

According to the source, this is because tiaras must only appear on occasions such as white-tie events and official banquets. “The decision to wear a tiara is tied to the dress code of a particular event and also personal preference,” explained Fitzwilliams.

These rules may explain why, even though her royal wedding took place in 2011, it was only in 2013 that Kate wore a tiara publicly for the annual Buckingham Palace diplomatic reception.

Kate Middleton wearing the Lotus Flower tiara
Kate Middleton wearing the Lotus Flower tiara. Photo: Getty Images

On the occasion, she wore the Lotus Flower Tiara, one of Princess Margaret's favorite models that features pearls and diamonds and is, without a doubt, stunning. This same tiara was used by the princess on another occasion in 2015 for a state banquet in honor of the president of China.

However, the tiara most worn by Kate was Princess Diana's favorite, the Lover's Knot. She has been seen wearing it on several occasions, the first being at the 2015 annual diplomatic reception, and then wearing the item for the same event for three consecutive years. Besides that special event, gala dinners, receptions at Buckingham Palace, and banquets were the other occasions chosen by Kate to appear in such a dazzling tiara.

In 2022, Kate wore the Lover's Knot tiara for her first state dinner as Princess of Wales following Queen Elizabeth's death. 

premiere fashion red carpet red carpet premiere suit clothing coat overcoat apparel person
Kate Middleton wearing the Lover's Knot tiara at a state banquet in honor of former president Donald Trump and former first lady Melania Trump (Photo: Getty Images)
Kate Middleton wearing tiara
Kate Middleton wearing the Lover's Knot tiara.

More recently, the Princess greeted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and First Lady Kim Keon during a state dinner at Buckingham Palace in a "new" royal tiara: The Strathmore Rose. Similar to Kate's other famed headpieces, this one comes with a history. It was given to the Queen Mother by her father, Lord Strathmore, as a wedding present before her marriage to the Duke of York in 1923. Originating from London-based jewelers Catchpole & Williams, the crown is shaped to resemble a garland of roses.

Kate Middleton wearing the Strathmore Rose Tiara for a state dinner with the South Korean president.

Tags

Recommended posts for you