The Lotus Flower Tiara is Kate Middleton’s second most-worn tiara.
To date, the Princess has worn the sparkling jewel on three occasions. It made its latest appearance at the Diplomatic Corps Reception in December 2022 (pictured above). Let’s discover more about this gem:
The tiara’s design:
The tiara is a marvel of craftsmanship that features a unique design centred around lotus flower (or papyrus leaf) motifs, hence the name.
The tiara’s versatile design allows it to be worn either low across the forehead, reminiscent of the 1920s fashion, or atop the head in a more contemporary style.
Did you know, the tiara was reconstructed from a necklace?
The Lotus Flower Tiara started life as a necklace—a gift to the newlywed Duchess of York (later, the Queen Mother) from her husband (the future George VI) in 1923.
Crown Jewellers Garrard designed the necklace and later dismantled the piece and used the precious stones to craft the now-famous Lotus Flower Tiara.
Which Royals Have Worn The Lotus Flower Tiara?
This stunning tiara has had four royal wearers to date, including:
The Queen Mother:
The original owner, who transformed the necklace into the tiara (pictured above).
Princess Margaret:
The royal received the tiara from her mother in 1959 and frequently wore the piece. (Pictured below, the late Princess wearing the tiara on May 14th, 1965 during a visit to Amsterdam, Holland.)
Below, Princess Margaret wearing the tiara to the State Opening of Parliament in 2015. Upon Princess Margaret’s death in 2002, the tiara was returned to Elizabeth II.
Serena Stanhope:
Serena Stanhope wore the tiara for her wedding to Viscount Linley, Princess Margaret’s son, in 1993. (Pictured below).
The Princess of Wales:
Last but not least, Kate! The Princess of Wales debuted the sparkling tiara in 2013. She’s worn it three times to date, making it her second-most worn tiara (pictured below, Kate wearing the tiara to a state banquet in 2015).
Where Kate’s Worn The Tiara To Date:
Kate has worn the tiara on three occasions to date:
December 2013: At the Diplomatic Corps reception, marking her first appearance with this tiara. She paired it with a light blue lace gown.
October 2015: The Princess wore the Lotus Flower Tiara with a red Jenny Packham gown for a State Banquet held in honour of the Chinese President.
December 2022: Kate paired the tiara with a red gown once again, at the Buckingham Palace Diplomatic Corps Reception (pictured below).
