Every tiara worn to the German state banquet – from the Duchess of Edinburgh’s favourite piece to the Duchess of Gloucester’s heirloom
She was not born into the Royal Family, but the Duchess of Gloucester boasts a dazzling collection of jewels worthy of any monarch. On Wednesday, Birgitte showcased one of the most spectacular pieces in her collection – the Cartier Indian Tiara, which was recently loaned to the V&A for the Cartier exhibition.
The tiara was originally owned by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Marie Louise, daughter of Princess Helena. Crafted by Cariter with pearls, sapphires and diamonds, the piece was originally intended for Beatrice Forbes, Countess of Granard, according to royal jewel authority The Court Jeweller. It was acquired by Princess Marie Louise in time for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937. She also wore the piece to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
On her death, the tiara was inherited by Prince Richard of Gloucester – the husband of Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, who wore the classic design with an elegant red dress for the German state banquet.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (front), William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales arrive ahead the state banquet for the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender, on day one of their state visit to the UK, at Windsor Castle on December 3, 2025 in Windsor, England. The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by Ms. Elke Büdenbender, are paying a State Visit to the United Kingdom as the guests of Their Majesties The King and Queen. The visit is the first from Germany in 27 years and will be marked with ceremonial visits, an address to the UK parliament and a banquet. (Photo by Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images)Pool/Getty Images
As for Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the late Queen’s ‘favourite daughter in law’, who has become something of a rock for the royals in recent months, wore her signature Aquarmarine Tiara. Thought to be a gift from Queen Elizabeth herself, the Duchess of Edinburgh first wore the piece at a gala celebrating the enthronement of Prince Albert of Monaco in 2005. The mother of Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex has become known for dazzling in the Tiara, especially after her appearance at the wedding of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden to Princess Sofia in 2015.
The Princess of Wales
WINDSOR, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Sebastian Roloff and Catherine, Princess of Wales ahead of the state banquet for the German President and his wife Elke Budenbender, on day one of their state visit to the UK, at Windsor Castle on December 3, 2025 in Windsor, England. The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, accompanied by Ms. Elke Büdenbender, are paying a State Visit to the United Kingdom as the guests of Their Majesties The King and Queen. The visit is the first from Germany in 27 years and will be marked with ceremonial visits, an address to the UK parliament and a banquet. (Photo by Aaron Chown – Pool/Getty Images)Pool/Getty Images
Kate Middleton made her debut in the Queen Victoria Oriental Circlet Tiara, a treasure from the royal collection that was created by Garrard for Queen Victoria in 1853 under the direction of her beloved husband and consort, Prince Albert. The piece was beloved by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, but was only worn once by Queen Elizabeth II and has only been seen a handful of times in recent decades.
