5 Ways Kate Middleton's Tiara Choices Are A Touching Tribute To Princess Diana

The legacy of Princess Diana, the 'People's Princess,' continues to shine brightly through the current generation of the British Royal Family. While the emotional connection between a mother-in-law she never met and the Princess of Wales, Catherine, is profound, the most visible and moving tribute often comes in the form of sparkling royal heirlooms. As recently as September 17, 2025, the world watched as Princess Kate once again chose a headpiece inextricably linked to her late mother-in-law, reinforcing a powerful, silent bond that captivates royal watchers globally.

This deliberate choice of jewelry is more than just a fashion statement; it is a carefully curated nod to history, a sign of respect, and a public acknowledgment of the woman who came before her. The subtle yet significant tiara tributes not only honor Diana's memory but also cement Catherine's role as the modern Princess of Wales, bridging the past and present of the monarchy. The following five points detail the most impactful ways Kate Middleton has paid homage to the late Lady Diana Spencer through her magnificent tiara and jewelry collection.

The Ultimate Tribute: The Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara

The most iconic and frequently used piece in Kate's repertoire that serves as a direct tribute to Princess Diana is undoubtedly the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara.

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1. The Consistent Choice of the Lover's Knot

The Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara has become Princess Kate's undisputed go-to tiara for state banquets and diplomatic receptions. This choice is a clear and consistent tribute, as the tiara was famously a favorite of Princess Diana. Diana received the tiara as a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II in 1981. While Diana often wore the tiara throughout her marriage to Prince Charles, she eventually favored the lighter and simpler Spencer Tiara. However, her association with the Lover's Knot remains the most enduring.

Kate's decision to repeatedly wear the piece—such as for the US state banquet in 2023, and a state dinner at Windsor Castle on September 17, 2025—is a powerful visual link to her husband Prince William's mother.

2. The Tiara's Storied Royal History

The history of the Lover's Knot Tiara itself adds layers to the tribute. It was originally commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914 from the royal jewellers Garrard. It is a replica of a 200-year-old tiara owned by Queen Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse-Cassel, the Duchess of Cambridge. Crafted from diamonds and pearls already in Queen Mary's possession, the tiara features 19 upright pearls suspended from diamond lover's knot bows. By wearing a piece with such deep royal lineage, Kate not only honors Diana but also the wider history of the monarchy, reinforcing continuity.

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Even her return to tiara-wearing after a period of absence in early 2024, following her cancer diagnosis, was marked by the choice of the Lover's Knot Tiara for a state banquet, highlighting its significance as her most important ceremonial jewel.

Beyond the Headpiece: Other Jewelry Tributes

The tribute extends far beyond a single tiara. Princess Catherine frequently borrows or is gifted pieces from Diana's personal collection, turning every major event into a subtle, heartfelt homage.

3. Wearing Diana's Personal Earrings

One of the most touching, yet often overlooked, tributes is Kate's use of Princess Diana's diamond and sapphire earrings. She wore these magnificent jewels, which originally belonged to the Queen Mother, to a state banquet alongside the Lover's Knot Tiara. Diana had famously received the earrings as a wedding gift. By pairing Diana's favorite tiara with her personal earrings, Kate creates a complete set of sartorial remembrance that is highly symbolic. This pairing is a deliberate effort by the Princess of Wales to keep Diana's presence alive at major royal events.

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4. The Sapphire Engagement Ring

The most constant and visible tribute is the engagement ring given to Kate by Prince William. The 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds was Diana's choice for her own engagement to Prince Charles in 1981. William famously chose this ring, which he had carried with him for years, to propose to Kate during a trip to Kenya. This ring, a piece of royal jewelry that is recognized globally, is a permanent, daily acknowledgment of Diana's legacy and a symbol of William’s deep love for his mother.

The ring, created by Garrard, became controversial at the time of Diana's engagement because it was available to the public, not custom-made. However, its immense value and history now make it priceless. This choice by William and Kate ensures that Diana is literally present in every aspect of their public and private lives.

The Future of Royal Tributes

As the Princess of Wales continues to define her own style, her choices remain rooted in respect for the past, balancing modern fashion with royal tradition.

5. Introducing New Tiaras with Historical Significance

While the Lover's Knot Tiara is the primary tribute, Kate's debut of other significant pieces demonstrates her role as a custodian of the royal collection. In a surprise move in December 2025, Kate wore the Oriental Circlet Tiara for the first time at a state banquet at Windsor Castle. This tiara, created for Queen Victoria in 1853, features diamonds and opals (later replaced with rubies). It was a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

By introducing a rarely seen tiara with such deep ties to Queen Victoria and the Queen Mother, Kate shows her commitment to the entire history of the Windsor family. This act, while not a direct tribute to Diana, reinforces her role as a guardian of the royal jewelry tradition, a role Diana also embraced. It speaks to the broader continuity of the monarchy, which is the ultimate goal of the tributes.

The careful and consistent selection of these pieces—from the Lover's Knot and Diana's earrings to the sapphire engagement ring—shows that the late Princess Diana is not forgotten. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, ensures that Diana's elegance, style, and spirit are present at the highest levels of the British monarchy, securing her place in the hearts of the Commonwealth and the world for generations to come. Every sparkle of the diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara is a silent, powerful, and beautiful testament to the enduring legacy of the mother of her husband, Prince William, and her role as the future Queen Consort.