The Princess of Wales once again demonstrated her innate sense of royal style during the Nigerian state visit, choosing a tiara that has become synonymous with her evening looks. At 44, Kate Middleton attended the glittering state banquet at Windsor Castle alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and senior royals, welcoming Nigeria's president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.
While the Princess looked striking in a flowing emerald-green gown by Belgian designer Andrew Gn, it was her selection of jewellery that drew particular attention. Kate opted for the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, a piece steeped in royal history and now firmly part of her signature style.
Tatiana Karelina, a noted hair and tiara expert, tells the Daily Mail that Kate's repeated choice of this heirloom is deliberate. 'The Princess of Wales's repeated choice of the Lover's Knot Tiara is far from accidental', she explains. 'Pieces like this are not only historic jewels, but architectural elements that must harmonise with the wearer's natural proportions and styling preferences.'
The History Behind the Heirloom
The Lover's Knot tiara was created in 1914 by Royal jewellers Garrard for Queen Mary, using diamonds and pearls she already owned. Its design took inspiration from a tiara worn by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, who married the first Duke of Cambridge in 1818. Featuring 19 open-work diamond arches topped with pearl drops suspended from diamond lover's knot bows, the piece is quintessentially neoclassical with a subtle French influence.
Over the years, the tiara has passed down the royal line: from Queen Mary to Queen Elizabeth II, to Princess Diana, and finally to Kate in 2015. Diana famously wore it despite finding it somewhat heavy, and Kate first donned the tiara at the Queen's annual Diplomatic Reception on 8 December 2015 in a touching nod to her late mother-in-law. Since then, Kate has worn the tiara 14 times over 10 years, including for high-profile events such as King Charles's first state banquet in 2022, the US presidential visit, and the royal wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa in 2023.
Why Kate Keeps Returning to the Lover's Knot
Karelina highlights both aesthetic and practical reasons for Kate's repeated choice. The tiara's design complements Kate's oval head shape and her preferred hairstyles—loose waves or low chignons. Its balanced structure, combined with the downward-drawing pearls, elongates the silhouette and adds a regal grace without overwhelming her features.
'There's also a practical elegance at play', Karelina notes. 'When a tiara consistently complements both bone structure and styling, it becomes a trusted piece. Hairstylists often build discreet internal support, using subtle padding, hair toppers, and carefully placed pins to ensure stability and comfort.'
For Kate, who has four tiaras at her disposal, including the Lotus Flower, the Strathmore Rose, and the Cartier Halo, this reliability matters for events where movement, photography, and lighting all require precision. 'Her choice reflects both aesthetic harmony and professional pragmatism', Karelina explains.
A Night of British Royal Glamour
At last night's Nigerian state banquet, Kate was the picture of elegance as she shared a toast with President Tinubu. Her flowing green Andrew Gn gown caught the light beautifully, while the Lover's Knot tiara ensured her presence was unmistakably regal. The banquet was hosted in the grand St George's Hall, with a 155-foot dining table adorned with spring flowers and illuminated by 143 candles.
The other royals added their own sparkle to the evening. King Charles wore a white-tie ensemble with the Windsor tailcoat and the Most Noble Order of the Garter sash. At the same time, Queen Camilla opted for a cream-embroidered gown by Fiona Clare, paired with a sapphire and diamond tiara inherited from Queen Elizabeth II.
Tiara Styling: Tradition Meets Function
The meticulous placement of a tiara is as important as the jewel itself. Karelina explains that the Lover's Knot is particularly favoured because it works effortlessly with Kate's styling preferences. 'The Princess's oval head shape and refined hairline allow the tiara to sit securely without overwhelming her features. It creates that perfect elongation through the silhouette, ideal for photographs and state occasions', she says.
This blend of tradition and function ensures the Lover's Knot remains a consistent choice for Kate, despite the weight of the piece. While the Cartier Halo has remained largely untouched since Kate's wedding in 2011, the Lover's Knot is polished and worn more regularly—a testament to both its beauty and versatility.
The Significance of Royal Jewellery in Modern Times
Beyond aesthetics, Kate's repeated tiara choice reflects the broader significance of royal jewels as symbols of continuity, legacy, and diplomacy. The Lover's Knot connects multiple generations, from Queen Mary and Diana to the present Princess of Wales, highlighting the endurance of royal traditions.
The tiara also serves as a visual bridge during state events, signalling stability and poise to international dignitaries. At last night's banquet, Kate's presence, combined with the Lover's Knot, offered a perfect illustration of British elegance in the modern era, enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere of the evening while maintaining her personal signature style.
Looking Ahead: Kate's Signature Style
Kate's approach to tiaras is part of a wider pattern in her wardrobe choices: she blends tradition with modernity, choosing pieces that flatter her features while honouring history. Her repeated use of the Lover's Knot shows that signature style can coexist with practicality and diplomacy.
Whether attending state banquets, diplomatic receptions, or royal weddings, Kate continues to reinforce her reputation as a thoughtful and elegant royal, one whose choices are intentional, personal, and timeless. Her tiara selections demonstrate that in royal fashion, the right jewellery is more than adornment—it is a tool of presentation, identity, and legacy.
