The Princess of Wales has worn a tiara only ever used before by queens as she attended the State Banquet for the President of Germany.
Kate pulled a huge jewel surprise by wearing the Circlet tiara that traces its origins back to Queen Victoria.
The gem was created in the 1850s with Prince Albert having a large say in its design.
Queen Victoria loved it and wore it often but put it to one side when Albert died. On her own death, she designated it a jewel that belonged permanently to the Crown.
Queen Alexandra, Victoria’s daughter in law, began wearing it soon after her husband’s accession.
It was a huge favourite of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother who held on to it even after she was meant to pass it to her daughter, Elizabeth II, when she became Queen.
In the end, it returned to the Crown on the death of the Queen Mother. Queen Elizabeth II only ever wore it once in public.
This gem hasn’t been seen in 20 years. The last appearance was in November 2005 when Queen Elizabeth II wore it in Malta. It’s been tucked away in the royal vaults ever since.
It’s a stunning tiara featuring large diamond arches which were modelled on Indian architecture. Prince Albert had the diamonds studded with opals but when Queen Alexandra became the main wearer of this gem, she had them replaced with rubies as she thought opals were unlucky.
The Princess of Wales is the first woman who isn’t a queen to be seen wearing the tiara.
