The Princess of Wales made a dazzling and diplomatically significant entrance at a white tie state banquet held at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, 4 December 2025. In a striking departure from her usual choices, Kate debuted a historic piece from the royal collection: Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara, a piece designed by the German-born Prince Albert.
A Deliberate Diplomatic Gesture
Hosted in honour of the visiting German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the banquet saw the Princess of Wales select her jewellery with clear intent. By choosing the Oriental Circlet Tiara, crafted in 1853 by Prince Albert for his wife, Queen Victoria, Kate paid a subtle tribute to the Anglo-German heritage shared by the royal family and their distinguished guest. This marked the first time the Princess has been seen publicly wearing this particular diadem, which is also known as the Indian Tiara.
Her evening ensemble was a show-stopping purple-blue, floor-length gown by designer Jenny Packham. The sequinned dress featured an asymmetric neckline and elegant cape shoulder detail, perfectly complementing the grandeur of the tiara. Kate completed her look with several other poignant pieces of jewellery: the late Queen Elizabeth II's earrings, the Royal Family Order, and the GCVO Sash and Star.
The History of the Oriental Circlet Tiara
The tiara itself is a masterpiece of royal jewellery with a fascinating backstory. Prince Albert originally commissioned it as an opal tiara for Queen Victoria. Its design, featuring diamond lotus flowers and arches, was said to be inspired by a piece made for the monarch by the East India Company in 1851. The large, delicate-looking circlet wraps nearly all the way around the wearer's head.
However, the gemstones were later changed. Queen Alexandra replaced the opals with rubies, as opals were historically considered unlucky. The tiara, which became a favourite of the late Queen Mother, now sparkles with diamonds and vibrant rubies. Kate's choice broke from her typical state banquet preference, which is usually the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara.
A Day of Royal Engagements
The evening's glamour followed a day of official engagements for the visiting German president. Earlier on Wednesday, for the ceremonial welcome, the Princess of Wales had worn a sophisticated day outfit. This consisted of a black Burberry dress paired with a multi-strand pearl necklace and earrings that once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. She topped the look with a blue coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a matching hat.
Notably, Kate had worn her hair straight and sleek for the daytime events but restyled it into her signature soft waves for the evening banquet. Other members of the royal family also attended in full regalia. Queen Camilla wore a green lace gown by Fiona Clare and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, a favourite of the late Queen. She accessorised with an emerald and diamond necklace and the Order of Germany sash. The Prince of Wales was in traditional white tie and Windsor tail coat, adorned with the insignia of the Most Noble Order of the Garter and an array of medals.
The event showcased the enduring power of royal fashion to communicate respect, history, and diplomacy on the world stage, with the Princess of Wales's tiara choice serving as a particularly eloquent and beautiful example.
