Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Why Princess Kate won't wear Diana's iconic tiara at first banquet as Princess of Wales

The royal is set for a major milestone this week


princess diana kate middleton wedding days© Photo: Getty Images
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
November 21, 2022
Share this:

It’s a big week for Princess Kate.

MORE: Princess Kate prepares for major new tiara moment

On Tuesday, she will attend her very first state banquet as the Princess of Wales – and royal fans are eagerly anticipating what she will choose to wear.

WATCH: Royal tiara rules revealed

Royal ladies are permitted to wear tiaras on the occasion of state visits and Kate is therefore expected to don a glittering headpiece in honour of the President of South Africa this week.

READ: Real reason Prince William took so long to propose to Princess Kate

MORE: Princess Kate debuts spectacular £14,500 40th birthday present

It is not known which tiara Kate will wear to the grand event – but there is one significant piece of jewellery she definitely won't be wearing.

princess diana spencer tiara© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Diana pictured wearing the Spencer Tiara

While it would have been fitting for her to showcase the tiara worn by her late mother-in-law Princess Diana – the former Princess of Wales – on her wedding day, she is unable to for a very simple reason.

READ: Princess Kate and Prince William's wedding honour that other royals weren't allowed

MORE: 10 events Kate Middleton attended before she became a royal

Diana wore the Spencer tiara for her marriage to the then-Prince Charles in 1981. The glittering headpiece is designed in a garland style and features a central heart flanked by continuous running scrolls, interspersed with star and trumpet-shaped flowers.

princess diana wedding day carriage© Photo: Getty Images

She wore the glittering headpiece on her wedding day

It is set throughout with circular and rose-cut, cushion, and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in gold.

However, following Princess Diana's untimely death in 1997, it reverted back to the Spencer family and therefore remains in their care.

READ: Prince William and Kate's 22 royal parenting tricks

MORE: Prince William's love token to Kate at university that proved he was smitten

To date, Princess Kate has only worn three tiaras in total.

kate middleton tiara wedding day© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Kate showcased the Cartier Halo tiara for her nuptials

The first time we saw her wearing a tiara was on her wedding day to Prince William in 2011. For the highly anticipated event, watched by millions, she wore the Cartier Halo design, which perfectly complemented her Alexander McQueen wedding dress.

READ: Prince William and Princess Kate enjoy secret lunch date – details

MORE: Prince William shares rare insight into his best friends

Traditionally, tiaras are a symbol of marriage and are often donned by brides on their special day.

kate middleton lotus flower tiara© Photo: Rex

The royal pictured wearing the Lotus Flower Tiara

Princess Kate has also been photographed wearing the dazzling Lotus Flower Tiara – one of Princess Margaret's favourite designs, boasting pearls and diamonds.

And finally, the royal has chosen to pay tribute to her late mother-in-law in the past by showcasing Diana's most worn tiara – The Lover's Knot.

princess diana lovers knot tiara© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Diana favoured the Lover's Knot Tiara

Princess Kate has worn the tiara on eight separate occasions – and perhaps she will do so again on Tuesday night!

Sign up to HELLO! Daily for all the latest and best royal coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Royalty

See more