Kate Middleton Wears Rarely Seen Tiara and Dramatic Cape Gown at German State Banquet

On December 3, Kate Middleton took center stage alongside other royals to welcome Germanys President and First Lady at a prestigious state banquet. For this special occasion, she debuted the rarely seen Queen Victorias Oriental Circlet Tiara, marking the first time she has ever worn this historic piece.

The Princess of Wales appeared with Prince William as they greeted Germanys first couple upon their arrival in the U.K. Earlier that day, the couple carried out official engagements before the evenings formal event.

At Windsor Castle, Kate stunned in a striking sequin cape gown by Jenny Packham, complemented by the glittering tiara. The choice of this particular jewel carries historical significance: Queen Victorias Oriental Circlet Tiara, adorned with 2,600 diamonds, was crafted by Prince Albert in 1853 and is regarded as one of the royal collections most remarkable Victorian-era treasures. This marked the first public appearance of the tiara since Queen Elizabeth wore it in 2006.

Since joining the royal family in 2011, Kate has worn only a handful of tiaras. Her most frequent choice has been the Queen Mary Lovers Knot Tiara, along with occasional appearances in the Cartier Halo Tiara, Lotus Flower Tiara, and Strathmore Rose Tiara.

Kate has become known for her thoughtful approach to royal fashion, often selecting ensembles with careful attention to diplomatic and cultural symbolism. Just weeks before the German state visit, she showcased a new designer at the Royal Variety Performance: a green velvet gown by Munich-based Talbot Runhof, signaling subtle support for German fashion. Adrian Runhof, co-founder of the brand, expressed surprise at her choice, noting that they had not anticipated the Princess selecting their design.

Typically, Kate favors British designers such as Alexander McQueen, Catherine Walker, Jenny Packham, and Beulah London. Natasha Finch, founder of Beulah London, praised Kate for consistently representing British fashion with elegance and grace, calling her a "fantastic British ambassador."

Author: Grace Ellison