Princess of Wales Debuts Oriental Circlet Tiara at State Banquet

On December 3, the Princess of Wales attended a state banquet at Windsor Castle to welcome German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, marking Germany's first state visit to the United Kingdom in 27 years. The event brought together senior members of the royal family, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William, for a formal evening of diplomacy and tradition.

The Princess of Wales drew attention for debuting the Oriental Circlet Tiara, a historic piece from the royal collection that she wore for the first time. The tiara, commissioned in 1853 by Prince Albert for his wife, Queen Victoria, features 2,600 diamonds and rubies set in an intricate design inspired by lotus flower motifs from the Great Exhibition of 1851. Originally adorned with opals, Albert's favorite gemstone, the stones were replaced with rubies in 1902 by Queen Alexandra, who viewed opals as unlucky. Crafted by royal jeweler Garrard, the tiara underwent further adjustments after a 1857 legal dispute over jewels, solidifying its place among the Crown Jewels upon Queen Victoria's death in 1901.

This appearance marked the tiara's first public wearing in 20 years, since...