Kate Middleton'S Stunning Tiara Tribute To Princess Diana

Kate and Diana: A Royal Connection Through Tiara

Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and the late Princess Diana share more than just their royal titles – they both have a deep affection for a particular piece of royal jewelry. The Queen Mary Lover’s Knot tiara, a stunning diamond and pearl headpiece, has become a symbol of their connection.

Kate has graced the public with this breathtaking tiara 15 times since joining the royal family. Most recently, she wore it during the Nigerian state banquet on March 18. This exquisite piece, adorned with 19 interlocking diamond arches and dangling pear-shaped baroque pearls, was a beloved accessory of Diana's during her time as a royal.

The Emotional Tribute Behind the Tiara

According to former royal butler Grant Harrold, there's an "emotional reason" behind Kate's frequent choice of the Lover’s Knot tiara. Harrold shared with InStyle, "It’s very much a tribute to Diana, as it was one of her favorite pieces. I believe Kate wears this [tiara] to keep her late mother-in-law’s memory alive."

"There are obviously many comparisons between the two royal women, and this is a way Kate can ensure people continue to talk about and remember Diana. I think it’s very clever and special and shows how thoughtful Kate is."

This piece not only honors Diana’s legacy but also holds sentimental value for Prince William. Harrold added, "Kate will know how much William misses his mother, so I think she makes a conscious effort to incorporate elements of her during her time as Princess of Wales."

The History and Significance of the Lover’s Knot

The Lover’s Knot tiara has a fascinating history. Commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913 from Garrard, the official Crown Jeweller for 164 years, it was later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II. Diana received the tiara as a wedding gift in 1981, wearing it at numerous high-profile events, despite it being "so heavy to wear that it is said to have given her headaches," as per Tatler.

After Diana and Charles’ divorce in 1996, the tiara returned to Buckingham Palace's vaults, remaining hidden from the public for nearly 20 years. It made a dramatic comeback in 2015 when Kate, then the Duchess of Cambridge, wore it at a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace.

While Kate has been a prominent figure in the royal family for almost two decades, her tiara collection remains curated and selective. Alongside the Lover’s Knot, she has worn the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Cartier Halo Tiara at her wedding to William, the Strathmore Rose Tiara, and Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara. However, the Lover’s Knot remains her most frequently worn piece, underscoring its importance both as a tribute and a personal favorite.