Kate Middleton Shines at State Banquet with Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara

Kate Middleton chose a favorite tiara for the recent state banquet, continuing to charm with her classic choice for royal events. On October 20, the Princess of Wales attended the event at Windsor Castle with Prince William, welcoming Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman on his state visit to the UK.

For the elegant occasion, Kate wore the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, a piece she has favored since 2015. Alongside the tiara, she adorned her look with a flowing yellow gown by Elie Saab, complemented by King Charles’ Royal Family Order badge and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star.

According to royal commentator Amanda Matta, the tiara has become a signature piece for Kate, symbolizing her steady presence within the modern monarchy. It complements her glamorous ensemble without overshadowing the evening’s key figures, King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Kate’s love for the Lover’s Knot dates back to the early days of her marriage. Since marrying Prince William in 2011, she has worn five royal tiaras, marking the Lover’s Knot as a preferred choice. Town & Country reported that the tiara, a replica, was crafted for Queen Mary in 1913 by the House of Garrard using pearls and diamonds from her family’s collection. The design mirrored an earlier tiara owned by Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge.

Inherited by Queen Elizabeth II when Queen Mary passed in 1953, the tiara has been a part of royal tradition. Queen Elizabeth II lent the piece to Princess Diana in 1981. It was one of the two tiaras Diana was known for wearing, the other being the Spencer tiara owned by her family.

Following Diana’s divorce, the Lover’s Knot returned to Queen Elizabeth II’s possession. At this banquet, Queen Camilla chose the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, frequently worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her reign.

State visits like this event are crucial for diplomatic relations, organized by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office alongside the royal household. The event at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall hosted 160 guests, using a grand setup featuring 480 knives, 480 forks, and 160 spoons. An Arabic coffee spiced with cardamom and rose water, along with iced teas and a warm spiced tea, were served in alignment with Omani tradition.

Notably, Kate Middleton has balanced her return to royal duties after announcing she was in remission from cancer treatment in early 2025, having undergone chemotherapy announced in 2024.