Kate Middleton Wore Princess Diana’s Favorite Headpiece to Her Latest Royal Engagement

Published Dec 12, 2019

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2:08pm

Kate Middleton broke out her favorite tiara for her latest royal engagement.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge attended the Diplomatic Corps reception, an annual event for 1,000 guests including ambassadors, high commissioners and government officials, on Wednesday evening. The event, which took place at Buckingham Palace, was hosted by Queen Elizabeth.

For the occasion, Middleton opted for a navy velvet gown with long sleeves by Alexander McQueen paired with a Nizam of Hyderabad necklace and a sash and medals signifying honors bestowed to her by Her Majesty. She topped off her look with her go-to headpiece—the Lover’s Knot or Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara.

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The tiara (which is more than a century old) was originally commissioned from the jeweler Garrard by Queen Mary in 1913 or 1914 and is a replica of a tiara owned by Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse.

Princess Diana Archive / Stringer/ Getty Images

The sparkling piece features pearls hanging from diamond pretzel-shaped knots. And while it has become one of Middleton’s favorites over the years, it was also a favorite of the late Princess Diana.

This special Diplomatic Corps reception is one of the highlights of the royal year and a pre-Christmas tradition. Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, were also in attendance and greeting guests.

So, how do we get the invite to this shindig next year? Asking for a friend...

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