Whenever the grand doors of Windsor Castle open for an official state banquet, every piece of jewelry selected from the royal vault tells a quiet story. Stepping out alongside Prince William to welcome the visiting Sultan of Oman, the Princess of Wales drew immediate global attention. She crowned her evening look with a historic treasure that holds one of the deepest emotional legacies in the British monarchy.
Resting atop Catherine's styled hair was Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara. According to jewelry experts and past valuation reports, the dazzling centerpiece of diamonds and hanging pearl drops is estimated to be worth up to $135 million. While the royal collection holds many rare diadems, few pieces spark instant recognition like this specific design. Long before Catherine made it her signature choice for formal state dinners, the tiara was closely linked to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana.
The history of the sparkling crown stretches back to 1913. Queen Mary commissioned the famed jewelers at Garrard to create the piece, modeling it after an older gothic revival design owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse. After Queen Mary passed away, the tiara was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II, who later loaned it to Diana ahead of her 1981 royal wedding.
Behind its glamorous appearance lies an unexpected physical challenge. According to long-standing royal reports, the swinging pear-shaped pearls made the headpiece so heavy and noisy that it reportedly gave Princess Diana headaches during lengthy evening receptions. Despite those reported discomforts, it remained one of Diana's most photographed jewels throughout the 1980s.
For the Windsor Castle banquet, the Princess of Wales wore the century-old heirloom with calm poise. She paired the sparkling diamonds with a flowing pale yellow Elie Saab gown featuring soft cape sleeves, alongside her official royal sash and family orders. By bringing a 1913 royal treasure back into the spotlight, Catherine honored two generations of royal women while anchoring a major diplomatic night for the crown.
Key Takeaways
- The Princess of Wales appeared at a Windsor Castle state banquet wearing Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara.
- According to reports, the historic diamond and pearl headpiece carries an estimated value of up to $135 million.
- Originally crafted in 1913, the royal heirloom is famously connected to the late Princess Diana.
- Catherine paired the antique crown jewel with a pale yellow couture cape gown to welcome the visiting delegation from Oman.
- Royal observers noted how the classic ensemble blended over a century of monarchy tradition with modern diplomatic style.
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