Kate Middleton Revives Lost Royal Tiara After 90 Years

Highlights

• The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, wore the historic Strathmore Rose Tiara to a state event in November 2023.
• This marked the first time the tiara has been seen in public in nearly 90 years, with its last appearance being in the 1930s.
• The exquisite floral diadem was originally a wedding gift to the Queen Mother, then Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, from her father in 1923.
• The choice to revive this long-dormant piece from the royal vault underscores Princess Kate’s growing role and her nod to the monarchy’s storied history.

A Royal Jewel Rescued from Obscurity

In a move that captivated royal watchers and jewelry enthusiasts alike, the Princess of Wales delved deep into the royal vault in November 2023, emerging with a piece of history long thought to be retired. For a significant state occasion, Kate Middleton chose to wear the Strathmore Rose Tiara, a stunning diamond diadem that had not been seen publicly for nearly nine decades. Her choice wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a powerful link to the monarchy’s past and a testament to her evolving position within it.

The History of the Strathmore Rose Tiara

This delicate, floral tiara holds a significant place in royal history. It was purchased from London jeweler Catchpole & Williams and given as a wedding present to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon—the future Queen Mother—by her father, the Earl of Strathmore, in 1923. The tiara is designed as a garland of wild roses in pavé-set diamonds, with each of the five flowers featuring a removable, larger rose-cut diamond at its center.

The Queen Mother wore the versatile piece in her youth, famously styling it both in the traditional manner across her brow and in the fashionable 1920s bandeau style low on her forehead. However, as her style evolved and grander tiaras came into her possession, the Strathmore Rose Tiara was quietly retired. It remained unseen, a forgotten treasure in the royal collection since the 1930s.

A Modern Princess’s Statement

For decades, the tiara’s fate was a subject of speculation among jewelry experts. Its reappearance on the Princess of Wales was therefore a momentous occasion. By choosing this piece, Kate not only paid homage to the legacy of the beloved Queen Mother but also demonstrated her unique ability to blend tradition with a modern sensibility.

While Kate frequently wears the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a favorite of Princess Diana, this choice signaled a deeper exploration of the royal collection. “Rescuing” the Strathmore Rose Tiara from the vaults highlights her confidence and her curated approach to royal dressing, where each piece tells a story. It was a deliberate, symbolic act that reaffirmed the continuity of the monarchy while simultaneously cementing her own legacy as a forward-looking Princess of Wales. The stunning revival ensures that a new generation will now recognize and appreciate this century-old masterpiece.

Image Referance: https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/when-kate-middleton-rescued-a-century-old-tiara-from-the-royal-vault