Kate Middleton wears Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet, the historical tiara reserved for queens. The symbolic meaning of the jewel and the growing role of the Princess of Wales in the monarchy.
During the state banquet for German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, all eyes were on Kate Middleton. In the setting of St George’s Hall, illuminated by candles and the large Christmas tree, the Princess of Wales has in fact chosen to show off one of the most emblematic jewels of the English crown: the Oriental Circlet.
Catherine thus put aside the Lover’s Knot to wear one of the oldest pieces made by Garrard for the Royal Family. Created for Queen Victoria in 1853 under the supervision of her beloved husband and consort, Prince Albert, the Oriental Circlet was originally adorned with an array of opals – one of Albert’s favorite gems – and 2,600 diamonds. Later, believing that opals brought bad luck, Queen Alexandra replaced them with rubies. However, the magnificent Indian-inspired design, with lotus flowers and Mughal arches, remains largely unchanged from the original version. The overall value of the Oriental Circlet exceeds 11 million euros.
For decades, the tiara has remained linked to the figure of the Queen Mother. Elizabeth II wore it only once, in 2006, precisely out of respect for this bond.
Although she did not wear it during her long widowhood, upon her death in 1901 Queen Victoria designated the Oriental Circlet as Heirloom of the Crown“to be worn by future queens by virtue of that title.” That Kate is the one bringing her back to public today is therefore not a stylistic detail, but a precise signal: the Princess of Wales is taking on an increasingly central role in the British monarchy.
