Some evenings feel like they’re designed to remind the world why royal fashion still holds its own, even in an era saturated with red carpets. At the German state dinner, Princess Kate arrived in a look that felt both steeped in history and lightly rebellious, the kind of quiet opulence she has perfected over the years.
This time, the conversation started at the top of her head. Kate introduced a new tiara into her rotation, and not just any one. The Oriental Circlet, originally commissioned in 1853 by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, once carried opals before they were replaced with rubies, and still carries over 2,600 diamonds that catch the light with the confidence of a piece that has watched generations come and go. It has been worn by Queen Victoria, the Queen Mother, and Queen Elizabeth II, yet it hasn’t appeared in public since 2005. Seeing it resurface felt like opening a jewellery box that has been locked for decades.
For a modern royal, choosing this tiara was already a statement. Pairing it with a shimmering Jenny Packham gown turned the moment into something even more cinematic. The dress came in a soft, dreamy blue with matching sequins, the kind that glimmers without shouting. The asymmetrical neckline and cape sleeves floated behind her like a whisper of drama, offering a subtle break from the more restrained silhouettes usually favoured at royal dinners. A delicate white bow sat neatly on the dress, the Royal Order sash added its formal touch, and dangling diamond earrings from the late Queen Elizabeth made the entire look feel like a bridge between eras.
Kate has worn four tiaras since joining the royal family, each with its own story, but this fifth one felt different. Bigger, yes. But also more storied, more theatrical, more willing to shine a little brighter than expected. It was a rare moment when tradition and glamour didn’t compete; they simply blended, letting a modern princess step comfortably into a very old spotlight.
