Kate Middleton Wears Diana's Tiara at Historic Oman State Banquet

Key points

• Kate Middleton wore Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara, a diamond and pearl piece previously favored by Princess Diana, at the state banquet.
• She also wore Princess Diana's Queen Alexandra Three Feathers Brooch, which Diana received upon her 1981 marriage to Prince Charles.
• King Charles III hosted Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at Windsor Castle, marking the first Omani state visit to the UK in over 40 years.
• The banquet menu included Scottish langoustine, Cornish crab, and Windsor pheasant, with King Charles praising Oman's economic diversification and energy role.
• The visit was requested by the British government and includes a meeting between the Sultan and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Background

This event follows recent royal family tensions, including Prince Harry's reported interest in purchasing Princess Diana's 'revenge dress' for Meghan Markle, as noted in our September 2026 archive. Kate Middleton has also recently launched a nature-based early childhood initiative and supported community transport services in West Sussex.

How outlets are covering it

Harper's BAZAAR UK focused on the fashion aspect of Kate's outfit, emphasizing the 1980s power shoulder style of her dress. USA Today and Yahoo detailed the historical significance of the tiara and brooch, linking them to Princess Diana's legacy. Vogue highlighted the tiara's use at the banquet. All sources agreed on the event's diplomatic importance, with USA Today noting the strategic significance of Oman's location near the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

The event underscores the UK's diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with Oman, a key ally in the Middle East. Kate Middleton's choice of Diana's jewelry reinforces the royal family's connection to past monarchs and their use of heirlooms to honor legacy. The visit also highlights the UK's focus on energy security and economic diversification in the region.

What to watch

Sultan Haitham bin Tariq is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his three-day visit. The state visit is expected to conclude with further diplomatic discussions and potential agreements on trade and energy cooperation.