A Royal Sparkle: Catherine, Princess of Wales’s Most Dazzling Tiara Moments
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has graced the world with her presence at numerous significant royal occasions since marrying into the British Royal Family in 2011. While she has access to an impressive collection of royal jewels, these exquisite heirlooms are reserved for the most momentous events. Over the past 15 years, the Princess has donned a tiara on a select number of occasions, each time showcasing her impeccable style and a deep respect for royal tradition. These precious headpieces, on a lifetime loan from the personal collection of the late Queen Elizabeth II, include the Cartier Halo, the Cambridge Lover’s Knot, the Lotus Flower, and the Strathmore Rose Tiara. Paired with equally stunning gowns and accessories, Catherine has consistently captivated royal enthusiasts globally with her elegant appearances.
Here’s a look at some of Princess Catherine’s most memorable tiara moments:
The Beloved Lover’s Knot Tiara
The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara, a favourite of the late Princess Diana, has been a frequent choice for the Princess of Wales, particularly for state banquets and diplomatic receptions. Its intricate diamond and pearl design has been a consistent highlight of her formal wear.
March 18, 2026: For a state banquet honouring Nigeria’s president, Bola Tinubu, and First Lady Remi Tinubu, the Princess opted for her cherished Lover’s Knot Tiara. She complemented it with a striking forest green chiffon gown by Andrew Gn, a sartorial nod to Nigeria’s national colours. The ensemble was further elevated by earrings from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, King Charles’ Royal Family Order, and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star.
September 17, 2025: Marking Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK, the Princess wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara for the eleventh time. This occasion saw her hosting the US President at a state banquet dinner at Windsor Castle. The evening began with a formal welcome, including the Trumps meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales, followed by a carriage procession with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
July 8, 2025: During French President Emmanuel Macron’s three-day state visit to Britain, the Princess made her tenth appearance in the Lover’s Knot Tiara at a State Banquet held at Windsor Castle.
December 5, 2023: The annual Diplomatic Corps reception saw the Princess of Wales once again choosing her beloved Lover’s Knot Tiara, a testament to its enduring appeal and suitability for such formal gatherings.
November 22, 2022: To welcome South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on a State Visit, the first of King Charles’ reign, the Princess chose the Lover’s Knot Tiara. This marked a significant moment in the new monarch’s tenure.
June 3, 2018: A State Banquet was held at Buckingham Palace to honour the state visit of US President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump. For this prestigious event, the Princess wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara.
December 11, 2019: For the third consecutive year, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the annual Diplomatic Corps reception in December 2019, adorning the Lover’s Knot Tiara.
December 4, 2018: The annual Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in 2018 provided another opportunity for Princess Kate to wear the elegant Lover’s Knot Tiara.
October 23, 2018: Princess Catherine wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara for the fourth time at a State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace. The banquet was in honour of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Queen Maxima, marking the first official state visit from the Dutch royal family since 1982.
July 12, 2017: The Princess attended a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace in honour of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, once again choosing the Lover’s Knot Tiara.
December 8, 2016: Exactly one year later, the royal wore the same tiara to the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.
December 8, 2015: The Duchess of Cambridge attended a Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace, opting for the Lover’s Knot Tiara. This marked a significant return for the tiara, as it hadn’t been seen in public since the passing of Princess Diana in 1997. The tiara itself has a rich history, commissioned by Queen Mary in the early 20th century.
The Elegant Lotus Flower Tiara
The Lotus Flower Tiara, with its delicate pearl and diamond design, has also featured in some of Catherine’s most notable tiara appearances.
December 6, 2022: The royal donned the Lotus Flower Tiara for the second time at the annual Reception for Members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace. This event was particularly significant as it was the first hosted by King Charles since ascending the throne. The tiara has a storied past, having been worn by Princess Margaret and even loaned for a wedding.
October 20, 2015: After a two-year interval since her last tiara appearance, the then Duchess of Cambridge wore the Lotus Flower Tiara to her first official state banquet at Buckingham Palace. This tiara has a fascinating origin story, originally purchased as a necklace by King George VI for the Queen Mother and later transformed into the exquisite tiara known today.
December 3, 2013: For her first royal tiara moment post-wedding, the Princess chose the Lotus Flower Tiara for the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.
The Historic Strathmore Rose Tiara
A rare and significant piece, the Strathmore Rose Tiara has been worn by Catherine only once, highlighting its exceptional status.
- November 21, 2023: The Princess of Wales made a striking appearance at a State Banquet held at Buckingham Palace in honour of Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, wearing the historic Strathmore Rose Tiara. This marked only the second time the piece has been worn publicly, with the Queen Mother being the first. The diamond-encrusted floral diadem, once owned by the Queen Mother, had not been seen in public for nearly a century, with the Queen Mother last wearing it in the 1930s.
Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara
This magnificent tiara made its debut on Catherine’s head for a notable state banquet.
- December 3, 2025: Catherine wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara for the first time at a German state banquet held at Windsor Castle. This occasion marked the largest tiara she had ever worn. She paired the stunning headpiece with earrings from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection and a blue-caped Jenny Packham gown.
The Cartier Halo Scroll Tiara
This tiara holds a special place in Catherine’s history as it was worn on her wedding day.
- April 29, 2011: For her marriage to Prince William, the royal wore The Cartier Halo Scroll Tiara. This marked the first and, to date, only time she has worn this particular piece. Commissioned by King George VI for his wife in 1936, the heirloom was passed to Queen Elizabeth II in 1944. The tiara is adorned with nearly 1,000 diamonds and has been previously worn by Princess Margaret and Princess Anne.
