Princess Anne Shines in Diamond Tiara at Nigerian State Banquet
The Princess of Wales stepped out at a state banquet wearing the Lover’s Knot tiara. The piece has strong sentimental value for her and Prince William.
Historical origins
Queen Mary commissioned the tiara from Garrard in 1914. She based the design on a headpiece owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse.
After Queen Mary died in 1953, she left the tiara to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II. The queen wore it regularly in the 1950s.
Diana and the tiara
Queen Elizabeth II reportedly loaned the Lover’s Knot to Princess Diana around 1981. The gift coincided with Diana’s marriage into the royal family.
Diana chose the Spencer Tiara for her wedding instead. That tiara had belonged to her family for generations.
Despite not wearing it for her wedding, Diana became closely linked to the Lover’s Knot. The piece was heavy enough to cause her headaches.
Memorable public moments
- 1981: Diana wore the tiara at the opening of parliament shortly after her wedding.
- 1983: She paired it with a white dress and pearl-drop earrings at a state banquet in Canada.
- 1986: Diana wore the tiara for a dinner with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
- 1989: Perhaps the most iconic look came in Hong Kong, with a Catherine Walker gown nicknamed the “Elvis Dress”.
Contemporary resonance
The current Princess of Wales has revived the tiara for recent formal occasions. The choice echoes past royal preferences, including those of Princess Anne.
The use of a diamond tiara at state events underscores tradition. Such pieces continue to appear at international banquets, including Nigerian state events.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments around royal jewels and ceremonial dress. The Lover’s Knot remains one of the family’s most storied tiaras.
