Princess Kate has rarely deviated from her favorite tiara since marrying Prince William in 2011. Even though royal watchers hoped to see a new-to-her design come out of the royal vaults, the Princess of Wales returned to Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara at the Omani state banquet—and there could be a very sensible reason why.
The Royal Family welcomed the sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, for an official visit to Britain on October 20—the first time an Omani ruler has visited the U.K. in 44 years. Following a day of welcome events at Windsor Castle, King Charles hosted a glamorous state banquet, with Kate wearing a new Elie Saab gown and her go-to tiara.
While a number of comments on social media lamented the fact that Princess Kate was wearing the Lover’s Knot Tiara yet again, former royal butler Grant Harrold says that there’s likely multiple factors at play. Speaking on behalf of CanadaCasino, Harrold says the diamond and pearl design “suits her, and she probably feels good wearing it.”
The tiara became famous as a favorite of Princess Diana’s, but it dates back to 1913 when Queen Elizabeth’s grandmother, Queen Mary, commissioned the piece by royal-favorite jeweler Garrard. The historic headpiece features 19 baroque pearls hanging from heart-shaped diamond knots, and the teardrop pearls move with the wearer.
“The Lover’s Knot Tiara is a true expression of Garrard’s design language, where romantic symbolism meets exquisite craftsmanship, says Sara Prentice, Chief Creative Officer of Garrard. “The suspended baroque pearls bring the piece to life, giving it movement and grace.”
Princess Kate has only worn five tiaras in her royal career: the Cartier Halo Tiara—which she wore on her wedding day—the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Lover’s Knot Tiara, the Strathmore Rose Tiara, and Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet. Aside from the Lotus Flower Tiara, which she’s worn three times, the Princess of Wales has never repeated her other headpieces, but has worn the Lover’s Knot 15 times.
Adding that he’s “sure The King and Queen would be more than happy for her to wear whatever she wanted,” Harrold says that the Princess of Wales is likely aware of the optics surrounding royal jewelry.
“Royal women always have favorites that they will re-wear regularly, but we are seeing this one piece time after time after time,” he notes. “I wonder if it’s maybe a conscious decision from Kate to not be constantly seen wearing different pieces of priceless bling.”
Prince William has been clear that he wants to make changes when he’s King, pointing out that he likes the idea of a "smaller r in the royal." Harrold says that sticking with one tiara could be part of the future Queen “showing signs of a more modern monarchy, which we know is what William and Kate will be working towards.”
“They don’t want to be flashing wealth and tiaras constantly, it is not what the public want to see,” he adds.