The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton perhaps had her late mother-in-law in mind when she chose what to wear for Tuesday evening's annual diplomatic reception hosted by the the Queen. The mum-of-two topped off her outfit with the dazzling Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara which was a firm favourite of Princess Diana's.
© Photo: RexThe Duchess opted for the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara for the Diplomatic Reception
Kate appeared to be wearing the same bespoke Alexander McQueen evening gown which she wore to the same event in 2013, but it was the intricate tiara that stole the show as she arrived with husband Prince William. The glittering event was only the third time she has worn a tiara in public.
William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales received this paticular tiara as a wedding gift from the Queen in 1981. Because of its association with Diana – and of course its Cambridge name – this beautiful design seems very fitting for Kate to wear to the important event.
The tiara was created in 1914 for Queen Mary and features pearls suspended from diamond love knots, however Diana said the tiara was so heavy it induced a headache and she had to switch to her Spencer family tiara instead.
© Photo: RexWilliam arrived with Kate to Buckingham Palace
The Queen Mother often wore the Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara as a young woman before handing it down to her youngest daughter, Princess Margaret.
Tuesday evening's white-tie Diplomatic Reception is the main ambassadorial social event of the year in London. Buckingham Palace states it "reflects the Queen’s importance in the country’s diplomatic relations" and all senior members of the royal family, who do not have prior engagements, will attend. The event is the largest reception held annually at Buckingham Palace, with more than 1,500 dignitaries invited from around 130 countries.
