Queen Camilla made a breathtaking entrance at a prestigious white tie event, choosing a spectacular piece of royal jewellery with a deep personal history for the occasion.
A Regal Appearance at Windsor Castle
Her Majesty captivated attendees at the annual Diplomatic Corps reception held at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 18 November 2025. For this significant gathering, she selected the magnificent Greville Emerald Kokoshnik tiara, a piece famously loaned to her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, by the late Queen Elizabeth II for her October 2018 wedding to Jack Brooksbank.
The King and Queen were joined by the Prince of Wales for the evening's festivities. Notably, the Princess of Wales did not attend this year's event, having last been present in 2023 before her cancer diagnosis. Earlier that same Tuesday, Kate had delivered her first major public speech in two years, announcing her remission in January and addressing business leaders about early childhood priorities.
The History Behind the Heirloom
The stunning tiara boasts an illustrious history stretching back more than a century. Renowned jeweller Boucheron created this masterpiece in 1919 for the prominent socialite Margaret Greville. Crafted in the fashionable kokoshnik style inspired by the Russian Imperial Court, the piece features a spectacular central cabochon emerald set amongst brilliant and rose cut diamonds in platinum, flanked by smaller emeralds.
Following Mrs Greville's death, the tiara was bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, in 1942. Its most recent prominent appearance before tonight was on Princess Eugenie's wedding day at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Eugenie retains her princess title despite her father Andrew's removal from the Roll of the Peerage due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Royal Fashion and Tradition on Display
Queen Camilla complemented the historic tiara with a cream embroidered dress by designer Fiona Clare, accessorised with her diamond serpent necklace and Van Cleef and Arpels diamond earrings.
The male members of the royal family adhered to tradition, with both King Charles and Prince William opting for the distinctive Windsor Coat with its signature red collar and cuffs. This garment is exclusively worn at the Berkshire castle, a custom dating back to King George III's reign, who adopted the idea from Frederick the Great.
While Charles chose traditional knee breeches and buckled shoes, William preferred classic trousers for the occasion.
This year's reception marked a significant return to Windsor Castle, being the first time the diplomatic event has been hosted there in 24 years, with the last occasion occurring in 2001. The late Queen had planned to stage the event at Windsor early in 2022, but it was postponed due to the conflict in Ukraine and later took place at Buckingham Palace.
The evening celebrated the presence in London of one of the world's largest Diplomatic Corps, welcoming hundreds of representatives from countries accredited to the Court of St James. Guests enjoyed a buffet supper and dancing, making it a showcase event in the UK's diplomatic calendar.
