Kate Middleton adds major sparkle to Windsor Castle banquet with biggest tiara she’s ever worn

Kate Middleton sparkled at the Windsor Castle state banquet in the biggest tiara she’s worn yet.

The Princess of Wales, 43, wore Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Wednesday night as she and the royal family hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Ms. Elke Büdenbender on their state visit.

She was joined by joined Prince William, King Charles, Queen Camilla and more for the luxurious white-tie event.

The crown has been previously worn by the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth. Though, the late queen, who died in September 2022, only wore it once during her reign on a 2005 trip to Malta.

Princess Kate’s wearing of the crown marks the first time it’s been worn in public since.

According to Garrard, the tiara was “crafted for Queen Victoria in 1853 under the direction of her beloved husband and consort, Prince Albert.”

“The Oriental Circlet was originally set with a collection of opals, one of Albert’s favourite gemstones, and 2,600 diamonds. Later, believing that opals were unlucky, Queen Alexandra replaced them with rubies.”

Along with the major bling, the princess wore a glittering blue Bespoke Cape Gown by Jenny Packham, which she paired with silver Gianvito Rossi Rania pumps in Silver-Silk Organza ($2,695).

She accessorized her outfit with a black satin Bespoke Maud Clutch from Anya Hindmarch ($775) and chandelier diamond earrings that originally belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth,

She finished her look with the Royal Family Order and the Royal Victorian Order sash and star.

The headpiece marks the fifth tiara Princess Kate has ever worn in public.

In 2011, she walked down the aisle with the Cartier Halo Tiara as she tied the knot with William, now 43. She’s also been seen wearing the Lotus Flower Tiara, the Strathmore Rose Tiara and the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara.

She most recently wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara in September for the state visit of President Trump and first lady Melania Trump.

Middleton wore the same royal headpiece for the French state visit months earlier in July, marking her first tiara moment since 2023 after she resumed her royal duties following her battle with cancer.