Although she lacks the worldliness that Princess Diana had, there’s no doubt that Kate Middleton poses just as much elegance. Since her inauguration into the royal family, the Duchess of Cambridge has had her style on point – and last night, she proved that being a princess is something she was born to do. Attending the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace with Prince William, she completed her outfit with a tiara – and this is the fourth time we have seen her wear such a regal piece.

But last night’s tiara was something wonderfully special: It’s the Lover’s Knot tiara which, gifted by Queen Elizabeth, belonged to Princess Diana from her wedding day. No one has worn it since.

The tiara was reportedly commissioned from Garrard in 1913-1914 by Queen Mary. She was inspired by a crown owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, the Duchess of Cambridge.

After Mary died in 1953, the tiara was passed to Queen Elizabeth II, who wore it regularly until she decided to focus on some of her other jeweled accessories, and ultimately gifted the tiara to her daughter-in-law, which ended up being one of the Princess of Wales’ favorite pieces.

The tiara contains swinging pearls hanging from 19 diamond arches capped with lover’s knots, some of which were composed by Queen Mary’s jewels from her collection.

Now that’s a princess.

[source: eonline]