On March 18, 2026, at Windsor Castle, the Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, made a striking impression at a state banquet held in honour of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu. The Duchess chose to don the historic Iveagh Tiara, a piece that once belonged to Queen Mary, showcasing a rich tapestry of royal heritage during the glamorous event.
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The Iveagh Tiara, designed in a traditional kokoshnik style, was originally presented to Princess Mary of Teck as a wedding gift. As the wife of King George V, Mary wore the tiara adorned with intricate diamond scrolls and foliage designs, featuring both round and drop-shaped diamonds. This brilliant piece of jewellery has remained unaltered since its creation, and Queen Mary was often seen wearing it into her later years. Following her death in 1953, the tiara was passed down to Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester, who eventually gifted it to Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, in appreciation for her marriage to Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester.
Despite its historical significance, the Iveagh Tiara is not one of the Duchess’s frequently worn pieces. However, it made a notable appearance in Birgitte’s 17th wedding anniversary portrait in 1989, demonstrating her affinity for embracing elements of royal history in her choice of accessories. More personally, in a heartfelt gesture, the Duchess lent the tiara to her youngest daughter, Lady Rose Windsor, for her wedding to George Gilman in 2008, furthering the family connection to this exquisite piece of history.
The state banquet provided a grand platform for members of the royal family to showcase their most cherished outfits and jewellery. Alongside Birgitte, Princess Anne also made a notable choice, recycling an outfit she first wore nearly sixty years prior. Additionally, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, opted for a deep emerald gown reflecting the colours of the Nigerian flag, paired with her signature piece, the Lover’s Knot Tiara—another tiara that has lineage tracing back to Queen Mary.
The royal family’s penchant for historical jewellery was particularly evident as they honoured the distinguished Nigerian guests. Kate, in a departure from her recent choices, wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a popular piece that has frequently adorned her at significant events. The history behind this tiara is just as rich, as it was also owned by Queen Mary, further intertwining the past with the present.
Queen Camilla, for her part, graced the occasion with the Belgian Sapphire Tiara and matching earrings, selecting from the late Queen Elizabeth’s extensive collection of royal jewels. The event undoubtedly served as a celebration of not only Nigeria’s leadership but also of the royal family’s tradition of wearing heirlooms that signify myriad familial and national anniversaries.
This state banquet marks the inaugural event of 2026 for the royal family, a year expected to yield numerous royal engagements and celebrations. The utilisation of historic tiaras like the Iveagh, alongside modern interpretations of traditional fashions, underscores the evolving yet deeply rooted nature of the British monarchy’s style and presentation.
As the evening progressed, it became clear that such events are essential to maintaining the connection between the monarchy and the public, highlighting historical reverence while also celebrating contemporary relationships. The presence of leaders like President Tinubu alongside notable royal faces affirms the importance of diplomacy in fostering relations between nations.
Witnessing the mix of history and modernity at this banquet, one can appreciate how British royalty continues to honour its lineage while adapting to a contemporary context, providing a visual narrative that speaks volumes of both heritage and unity.