See Kate Middleton's First Tiara Appearance of 2026

Kate Middleton re-wore Queen Mary's Lover's Knot crown for her first tiara moment in 2026, pairing the piece with a green Andrew Gn gown during state banquet for Nigeria's president and first lady.

By Gabrielle Chung Mar 19, 2026 1:59 AMTags
Watch: Kate Middleton Dazzles in First Tiara Appearance of 2026

Kate Middleton is taking the crown—again.

The Princess of Wales re-wore Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara as she accompanied Prince William to a state banquet for Nigerian president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Oluremi Tinubu at Windsor Castle March 18.

For the regal affair, Kate paired the headpiece with an emerald green gown by Andrew Gn, as well as chandelier earrings from the late Queen Elizabeth II's jewelry collection and her royal honors, including her sash and star.

Though the tiara is known to be a favorite of William's late mom Princess Diana, it also appears to be one of Kate's tried and true accessories. After all, she's worn the diadem over a dozen times since debuting it in 2015.

Crafted in 1913, the diadem was made per Queen Mary's request as a copy of a piece belonging to Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kassel, who was named the Duchess of Cambridge—the title Kate now also holds—in 1818.

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Prior to her latest outing, the 44-year-old last donned the Lover's Knot tiara—which features 19 arches and 28 drop-shaped pearls—in September while hosting U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for a formal dinner.

Two months later, she had another tiara moment, dusting off Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet tiara after 20 years in storage. 

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And the rarely-seen crown also has quite the story to it. Commissioned by Prince Albert in 1853, the tiara originally featured 2,600 diamonds set in gold and more than a dozen opals. However, the opals were replaced with rubies in 1901 by Victoria's daughter-in-law Queen Alexandra due to "superstitions" surrounding the milky white gemstones, according to its designer Garrard & Co.

Per the jeweler's ledger, Alexandra is believed to have only sported the crown once before passing it down to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and her daughter Elizabeth II, who last wore it during a 2005 trip to Malta.

To date, Kate has worn five tiaras throughout her royal career—including the Cartier Halo for her 2011 wedding, the Lotus Flower and the Strathmore Rose.

To see more of her iconic fashion moments, read on.

Christmas Cheer

Kate Middleton's color palette was muted but she radiated joy all the same during the royal family's walk to church on Christmas morning in 2025, her return to the annual tradition after celebrating the holiday privately with Prince William and their kids the previous year.

Royal in Red

For a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in December 2022, the Princess of Wales styled her sparkly Jenny Packham gown with several regal accessories, including Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Family Order badge, the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order, diamond frame earrings, a diamond Art Deco brooch and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's famed Lotus Flower Tiara.

Princess of Style

Shortly after succeeding the Princess of Wales title, Kate wore this stunning Jenny Packham gown with Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara to a state dinner in 2022.

Vision in White

There's nothing more refreshing than seeing a royal who isn't afraid to wear an item on numerous occasions. The royal last wore this Barbara Casasola number at the 2016 for the Art Fund awards.

Elegance at Work

Kate took the army's salute in 2019 while sporting a lovely Catherine Walker coat dress, which she paired with matching clutch and shoes.

Flaunt It

Kate showed the Americans how it is done in a white gown by Alexander McQueen, the same designer who created her iconic wedding dress, during a state banquet with Steven Mnuchin in 2019.

Tea Party Ready

When in the presence of the Queen, it is pretty important to wear your Sunday finest. In 2019, the Princess of Wales sported a pink coat dress by Alexander McQueen and a fascinator by Juliette Botterill.

Boho Chic

For the 2019 Chelsea Flower Show, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a whimsical dress from British label Erdem.

Sophisticated Suits

Kate wore a matching blazer and skirt combo to The Royal Foundation's Mental Health in Education conference in 2019.

Gorgeous Gowns

The royal stunned in a white McQueen gown for the 2019 BAFTA Awards.

Going Green

Kate turned heads in this Eponine London dress for Children's Mental Health Week 2019.

Cute and Casual

In 2019, 5he royal looked fabulous in a tweed jacket and boots at Islington Community Garden.

Pretty in Plaid

Kate looked gorgeous in a Q by McQueen green and blue tartan coat dress during a visit to Scotland in 2019.

Bold and Beautiful

The royal isn't afraid to rock a bold shade, like this pretty magenta she wore to The Royal Opera House in 2019.

Beautiful in Blue

Kate was all smiles as she watched a flypast to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force in 2018.

Elegant in Emerald

The mother of three stunned in this number for an event with Family Action Charity in 2019.

Royal Red

Next to Meghan Markle's royal blues, the Duchess of Cambridge's monochromatic ensemble made a major impact in 2018.

Teal Time

In January 2019, Kate took a stroll with Prince William in a coat dress, matching hat and black pumps.

Festive and Chic

Kate was a major holiday fashion inspo in this green and white L.K. Bennett polka dot dress paired with a khaki clutch and matching heels during a 2018 visit to Evelina London Children's Hospital.

Cinderella Story

The princess looked like a real-life Cinderella at a 2018 diplomatic reception in this sparkly Jenny Packham gown that featured sheer cap sleeves and clusters of sequins.

Fabulous Flare

For an official visit to RAF Akrotiri in 2018, Kate rocked a business-casual look that included a forest green Smythe blazer paired with navy trousers and a white shirt.

Pleasant in Plaid

Kate hosted a 2018 holiday party in this festive plaid Emilia Wickstead skirt paired with a black Brora cardigan and slouchy black high-heel boots.

Burgundy Beauty

In 2018, the royal visitsed UCL Developmental Neuroscience Lab at UCL London in a burgundy Paule Ka blazer and skirt paired with a black turtleneck, tights and heels.

Buttoned and Belted

Wearing a chic blue coat dress with matching navy pumps and a black clutch, Kate stunned during the 2018 opening of McLaren Automotive's Composites Technology Centre.

Velvet Trim

Kate attended a 2018 Remembrance Day service in a dark green coat with button detailing and a velvet trim collar, cuffs and pockets. She paired the jacket with a fuzzy headband and carried a black clutch.

Aquamarine Dream

For the 2018 Tusk Conservation Awards, Kate wore her aquamarine Jenny Packham gown (a stunning look she's worn before) paired with diamond chandelier earrings, a matching clutch and Jimmy Choo pumps.

Nice in Navy

The Princess of Wales arrived at Imperial War Museum in 2018 clad in a fitted blue sheath dress, nude heels and a matching nude clutch.

Royal Wedding Style

For Princess Eugenie's 2018 wedding, Kate wore an all-fuchsia ensemble that included a stunning dress and matching fascinator from Alexander McQueen.

Chic in Check

In 2018, the mother of three stunned in a burgundy accented Erdem check print dress paired with a matching clutch and heels.

Lady in Lavender

Kate looked typically elegant for a 2018 mental health summit in this beautiful purple Emilia Wickstead dress, nude heels and an Aspinal leather handbag.

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