On October 20, the royal household hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at Windsor Castle. The occasion marked another chapter in the Princess of Wales’s sartorial narrative, as she chose the Lover’s Knot tiara for the evening. Paired with a sunshine-yellow Elie Saab gown, the Royal Family Order badge, the Royal Victorian Order sash and a diamond bracelet formerly owned by the late queen, the look was both regal and understated, allowing the guest of honor to remain the focal point.
While the ensemble attracted immediate admiration, the choice of headpiece sparked a deeper conversation about heritage, practicality, and personal tribute. The tiara, a piece first crafted in 1913 for Queen Mary, has resurfaced repeatedly over the past decade, becoming synonymous with Kate Middleton’s public appearances.
History of the Lover’s Knot tiara
The Lover’s Knot tiara was fashioned by the House of Garrard in 1913 as a homage to an earlier design owned by Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel, Duchess of Cambridge in 1818. It features 19 arches set with 28 drop-shaped pearls, a structure that balances fluidity with regal weight. Originally commissioned by Queen Mary, the piece was part of a larger family collection, and after her death in 1953 it passed to Queen Elizabeth II, who occasionally lent it to her daughter-in-law, Princess Diana, before the 1997 tragedy.
Since its creation, the tiara has been worn only on select occasions, making each appearance a notable event. Its design— a slightly curved lattice of pearls and diamonds—offers a visual descent that draws the eye downward, complementing soft hairstyles and providing a subtle sparkle without overwhelming the wearer.
Why Kate keeps returning to the piece
Hair stylist Tatiana Karelina explains that the tiara’s silhouette works perfectly with Kate’s signature soft volume, whether she opts for polished waves or a low chignon. The internal engineering of the piece— discreet padding, anchoring pins, and custom hair toppers— ensures stability even under the bright lights of a state banquet. In practice, the tiara secures most easily into the Duchess’s hair, a factor that influences her decision on high-profile nights.
Recent photographs from a December event revealed the tiara fastened to strands of her own hair, illustrating the clever yet simple method that guarantees comfort and safety. This practicality, combined with a design that flatters her coiffure, makes the tiara the most reliable choice among the many royal jewels at her disposal.
Emotional resonance and royal homage
Beyond its functional merits, the Lover’s Knot tiara carries a sentimental weight linked to Princess Diana. Former royal butler Grant Harrold noted that Diana regarded the piece as one of her favorites before her 1997 death. He suggested that Kate wears the tiara to keep her mother-in-law’s memory alive, offering a quiet yet powerful tribute during public duties.
Harrold also highlighted the continuity of Garrard’s craftsmanship: the same jeweller created Kate’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring, a piece once owned by Diana. By repeatedly selecting the tiara, Kate not only showcases a stunning heirloom but also subtly ensures that Diana’s legacy remains a topic of conversation, reinforcing her own role within the modern monarchy.
In sum, the Lover’s Knot tiara functions on three levels— historic heritage, practical design, and emotional homage— making it the Princess of Wales’s go-to jewel for state occasions. Its recurring presence at events such as the Windsor banquet underscores its status as a timeless symbol of royal elegance.
