Tonight, for the state banquet honoring the Sultan of Oman at Windsor Castle, Kate Middleton went for a look that blended the old with the new. The Princess of Wales wore a new yellow gown designed by Elie Saab, but paired it with a beloved family heirloom accessory often worn by Princess Diana: the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara.
The sparkles didn’t finish atop Catherine’s head, however: The Princess accessorized her pleated and caped gown with a glittering Anya Hindmarch clutch, Queen Mary’s diamond choker bracelet, and, as is customary, the badge, sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order.
This is the princess’s second time wearing the tiara this year. In March, she wore it for the Nigerian state banquet. On that occasion, she paired it with a chiffon forest green gown by Andrew Gn, in homage to the colors of the flag of Nigeria.
Kate’s choice of tiara has a connection to Princess Diana, who often wore it after Queen Elizabeth gifted it to her. Originally commissioned from the House of Garrard in 1913 for Queen Mary, the tiara was designed as a replica of the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara. The headpiece features diamonds and pearls set in silver and gold.
The banquet, which is a celebration for the end of the first of a three-day state visit, is part of the first Omani state visit to the UK in 44 years. Earlier today, the Princess of Wales welcomed the Sultan of Oman to Windsor Castle, wearing a beloved green Alexander McQueen coat and a classic quilted Chanel bag.