By Ashlea Hickin,Ella Kipling
Copyright cambridge-news
Princess Kate donned an iconic tiara at last night’s state banquet, as the Royal Family welcomed President Trump and the First Lady to St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle.
The Princess of Wales chose to wear a gold and cream lace gown by Phillipa Lepley, which she complemented with sparkling earrings and the Lovers’ Knot tiara.
The magnificent tiara was crafted for Queen Mary in 1914 by the House of Garrard, and following her death it was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II. It has also been worn by Princess Diana and was loaned to her by the late Queen for her to wear on her wedding day, but she opted to wear the Spencer tiara instead.
The late princess donned the Lover’s Knot on other occasions, though it was reportedly so weighty that it caused her headaches. The dazzling piece features a French neo-classical design with 19 diamond frames and pearl drops suspended from lovers’ knots, reports the Mirror.
Jewellery expert and creative director of Steven Stone, Maxwell Stone, explained that the tiara ‘has its drawbacks,’ adding: “It’s claimed to have been so heavy that it hurt the late Princess of Wales’ head, giving her headaches – it’s also said to be noisy due to the swinging pearls.
“The fact that it’s so heavy that it hurt Princess Diana’s head indicates that it’s a valuable tiara, embellished with the finest quality diamonds and pearls.”
Stone said that whilst it is difficult to put a price on such a “historic and extravagant piece” he would estimate it to be worth around £1 million. Earlier in the day, prior to the state banquet, Kate donned a burgundy outfit to welcome the Trumps as they arrived at Windsor.
The double-breasted coatdress was an Emilia Wickstead creation, which she paired with chocolate-brown suede heels by Gianvito Rossi.
Kate complemented her look with a Jane Taylor London hat featuring a bow and mesh veil, and a quilted flap bag from Chanel.
On the other hand, Queen Camilla opted for a cobalt-blue ensemble for the state banquet, wearing a Fiona Clare gown with a sapphire tiara. The Queen’s headpiece was commissioned in 1963 by Queen Elizabeth II to match her sapphire necklace, a gift from her father, King George VI.
The tiara, crafted from an antique sapphire and diamond necklace, was worn by Camilla for the first time in 2022 at her inaugural state banquet as queen consort.
