Why Kate Middleton can’t wear a tiara this year, despite returning to royal duty for state visit

KATE Middleton is set to return to royal duties next week, but it’s unlikely we will see her wear a tiara this year.

The Princess of Wales, 42, who is recovering from cancer, will join The Prince of Wales, 42, in greeting Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, at Kensington Palace on 3 December as part of the Emir of Qatar‘s state visit to the UK.

The Prince and Princess will take part in the carriage procession to Horse Guards Parade where the Emir will receive a ceremonial welcome before meeting the King and Queen.

But while Kate will be involved in the daytime elements of the visit, it’s been reported that she will not attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening.

As a result, this means that royal fans are not likely to see the mum-of-three wearing a tiara this year, as state banquets are usually one of the very few white-tie events the royals attend.

Kate, who has a breathtaking £7.5million tiara collection, was also absent from this year’s diplomatic reception, which was held at Buckingham Palace last week. 

Her husband William made a solo appearance at the soiree alongside King Charles, 76 and Queen Camilla, 77.

The Queen wore a blue velvet evening gown by Fiona Clare and made her debut in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s aquamarine and diamond tiara.

Tiaras are typically reserved for state banquets, the annual diplomatic reception and royal weddings.

However, in eras gone by, the likes of the Queen Mother, then Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret would wear the jewels for film premieres and galas.

Since marrying Prince William in 2011, Kate has worn four tiaras from the royal family‘s jewellery collection.

We’ve seen her don the Cartier Halo, the Lotus Flower, the Lover’s Knot and the Strathmore Rose tiaras.

However, it may surprise some royal fans to learn that she doesn’t actually own her tiaras.

Jewellery expert Leroy Dawkins previously told Fabulous: “When it comes to tiaras, Princess Catherine has a wide choice available for her to choose from.

“Although she does not own any tiaras herself she gets to loan some of the most spectacular tiaras in the world which previously belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II and now belong to her father-in-law King Charles.” 

When she tied the knot with Prince William in 2011, Kate dazzled in the Cartier Halo, which is estimated to be worth between £800,000 to £1million.

Millions watched the historic event as Kate wore the tiara, which has over 1,000 diamonds and was first commissioned by George VI in 1936, three weeks before he ascended the throne, who gave it to Queen Mary.

For a state banquet in 2018, Kate dazzled in the Lover’s Knot tiara – sometimes referred to as the Cambridge Lover’s Knot – which was a favourite of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is estimated to be worth around £2million, with diamonds and hanging pearls set in silver and gold, and according to Insider, it was reportedly so heavy it used to give Diana headaches.

Princess Kate has also worn the Lotus Flower tiara, estimated to be worth £4million, a number of times at various royal engagements.

This tiara was originally a pearl and diamond necklace, but was made into the Lotus Flower tiara in 1923 by request of the Queen Mother.

And one of the other spectacular headpieces we’ve seen Kate wear is the Strathmore Rose tiara, estimated to be worth £500,000. 

She looked sensational when she debuted the tiara at the South Korea state banquet in 2023, which she paired with an ivory Jenny Packham gown with caped shoulders.

The late Queen Mother was given the tiara as a wedding gift from her father, Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, in 1923.

Upon her death, it was passed down to the late Queen, but wasn’t worn in public for decades, until Kate’s spellbinding appearance.