We’ve learned enough about the realities of royal life to know it’s not quite the lifestyle we pictured when we were little, but one shiny element of being a princess, as showcased by Kate Middleton, remains true: tiaras. For the complete guide to the tiaras Kate Middleton has worn over the years, read on.
After marrying Prince William in 2011, the senior royal has embarked on a slow journey of uncovering the family jewels, donning them for only the most formal of occasions. Though the elusive royal jewellery vault holds a wealth of fabled pieces that we’d give anything to glimpse, the Princess of Wales has shown remarkable restraint throughout her working career, only bringing out a total of four tiaras under twenty times.
Her three favourites—the Lotus Flower tiara, the Cartier Halo tiara she wore exclusively on her wedding day, and her go-to, the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara, which was also beloved by her late mother-in-law Princess Diana—were only joined by a fourth in November 2023, when she stepped out for a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace with the Strathmore Rose tiara. This is likely because once a royal wears a tiara, it is effectively loaned to that person for the entirety of their working royal career.
The Complete Guide to Kate Middleton Tiara Collection
The Cartier Halo Tiara
Her very first tiara moment came on her April 29 wedding day to Prince William, which marked her official entry into royalty. For the momentous occasion, Middleton wore the stunning Cartier Halo tiara, borrowed from Queen Elizabeth II‘s collection.
While her custom Alexander McQueen gown is embedded in the memory of many, the dazzling tiara was the stuff of dreams.
For a bit of background, the piece was crafted in 1936 as part of a commission from King George VI for his wife Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), who was only noted to have worn it once before she became Queen. Once her husband ascended to the throne, she gifted the tiara to her eldest daughter, Princess Elizabeth (eventually Queen Elizabeth II), on her 18th birthday, as it is technically more of a ‘beginner’ piece for its lightweight and paired-back design. Although, between its 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette-cut diamonds in an ornate scroll motif, the platinum diadem is anything but simple and gets its name from its shining ‘halo’ effect.
Though she never went on to wear it publicly—and even lent it to her sister, Prince Margaret, multiple times—it was reported to hold a special place in Queen Elizabeth II’s heart, making the choice all the more meaningful.
To add to the sentiment, Middleton’s parents even had jeweller Robinson Pelham create a custom pair of earrings as a wedding present, made to match the tiara, which featured an acorn and oak leaf—symbols from the Middleton family’s coat of arms.
The Lotus Flower Tiara
In 2013, the princess’ first post-wedding tiara moment arrived at the annual Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace. For the occasion, she wore the Lotus Flower tiara, an intricate headpiece boasting pearls and diamonds that, interestingly, was initially a necklace gifted to Queen Elizabeth by her husband, the future King George VI, in 1923.
Six months after receiving the Garrard necklace, the late royal had it dismantled and transformed into the piece we know today. It was passed on in the 1950s to Princess Margaret, who lent it to her daughter-in-law, Serena Stanhope, for her wedding to Margaret’s son, David Armstrong-Jones. The tiara remained in her care until her death in 2002.
It was not seen again until Middleton opted to wear it in 2013 and again in 2022.
The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara
The Queen Mary’s (Cambridge) Lover’s Knot tiara is by far the most famous for its regular appearance atop the princess’ head. First christening the piece in 2015, Middleton has since worn this tiara more than any other in her stash.
Featuring 19 ‘lover’s knot’ arches and 38 drop-shaped pearls—19 of which swing freely— the show-stopping tiara is actually a replica of the ‘Cambridge Lover’s Knot’, which is why it is often referred to as such. The original, which was crafted in 1818 for Princess Augusta of Hesse, was sold into a private collection by Christie’s in 1981 for more than $747,000. Augusta’s daughter, Queen Mary, was reportedly so devastated to have lost it that she had a replica made in 1913 before it was updated to not feature 19 upright pearls along the top.
The tiara eventually landed in Princess Diana’s collection. She wore it many times throughout her life despite its weight allegedly causing her headaches.
The Strathmore Rose Tiara
Up until a State Baquet at Buckingham Palace in November of 2023, the Strathmore Rose tiara had remained in the royal vault for almost a century before Kate Middleton dusted it off for the night.
Named after the Queen Mother’s father, Lord Strathmore, who gifted the piece to his daughter for her wedding to the Duke of York (later King George VI) in 1923, the tiara was designed to resemble a garland of wild roses.
Made by London-based jewellers Catchpole & Williams, it features a central rose flanked by leaves and more flowers on either side, with diamonds peppered throughout. It was uniquely designed to transform into five floral brooches upon dismantling.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA International.