The Princess of Wales has worn a tiara only ever used before by
queens as she attended the State Banquet for the President of
Germany.
Kate pulled a huge jewel surprise by wearing the Circlet tiara
that traces its origins back to Queen Victoria.
The gem was created in the 1850s with Prince Albert having a
large say in its design.
Queen Victoria loved it and wore it often but put it to one side
when Albert died. On her own death, she designated it a jewel that
belonged permanently to the Crown.
Queen Alexandra, Victoria’s daughter in law, began wearing it
soon after her husband’s accession.
It was a huge favourite of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother who
held on to it even after she was meant to pass it to her daughter,
Elizabeth II, when she became Queen.
In the end, it returned to the Crown on the death of the Queen
Mother. Queen Elizabeth II only ever wore it once in public.
This gem hasn’t been seen in 20 years. The last appearance was
in November 2005 when Queen Elizabeth II wore it in Malta. It’s
been tucked away in the royal vaults ever since.
It’s a stunning tiara featuring large diamond arches which were
modelled on Indian architecture. Prince Albert had the diamonds
studded with opals but when Queen Alexandra became the main wearer
of this gem, she had them replaced with rubies as she thought opals
were unlucky.
The Princess of Wales is the first woman who isn’t a queen to be
seen wearing the tiara.