The grand spectacle of the American state visit unfolded at Windsor Castle. A state reception is always a mesmerizing sight, but for those of us who adore history, the real theatre unfolds not in the official speeches, but in the quiet language of the jewels. This evening, behind the sparkle of the diamonds, were hidden not only centuries-old stories but also passionate debates. Why did the choice of tiaras by Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales spark such a strong reaction? Who became the true, unsung star of the evening? And what personal messages were woven into each precious piece?

On September 17, 2025, Windsor Castle’s historic halls lit up for an unprecedented event: the second state banquet hosted by King Charles III for U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. This wasn’t just any diplomatic affair; it was a glittering display of transatlantic ties, blending pomp, politics, and priceless heirlooms. Amid the toasts and formalities, the royal women’s jewels stole the show, each piece a silent narrator of legacy, loyalty, and subtle intrigue. As guests dined in St. George’s Hall on a menu honoring Anglo-American heritage—think roast beef with Yankee pot roast influences—the eyes of the world were fixed on the crowns atop the heads of the British royals.

Queen Camilla, ever the poised consort, led the evening’s jewel parade in a striking royal blue gown that echoed the American flag’s hues. Her choice? The Belgian Sapphire Tiara, a masterpiece of diamonds and deep blue sapphires that caught the light like stars in a midnight sky. This tiara isn’t just any accessory; it’s a personal gem from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, commissioned in 1963 to match a sapphire suite gifted by her father, King George VI. Camilla paired it with the Diamond Festoon Necklace from the Greville bequest, a three-strand wonder of cascading diamonds that once adorned the Queen Mother, and Art Deco bracelets blending diamonds and sapphires. The ensemble was completed with her personal pear-shaped diamond earrings, adding a touch of her own history to the mix.

But why the buzz? Camilla’s selection sparked debates among royal enthusiasts and historians alike. For some, it was a touching homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II, symbolizing continuity in the monarchy. Camilla first wore this tiara in 2022 at a South African state banquet, marking her debut with one of Elizabeth’s most cherished pieces after King Charles’s accession. Yet, whispers in royal circles suggest not everyone was thrilled. Critics argue that such personal jewels—bought by Elizabeth for herself—should remain vaulted or passed to direct heirs, not the new queen consort. Online forums lit up with comments like, “Is Camilla overstepping by claiming Elizabeth’s sapphire legacy?” Others praised her for breathing new life into rarely seen items, turning a potential faux pas into a statement of unity. The personal message here seems clear: Camilla is weaving herself into the fabric of royal history, honoring her predecessor while asserting her role. In a family where jewels are power symbols, this choice whispered, “I am here to stay.”

Not far behind in the sparkle stakes was the Princess of Wales, Catherine, who turned heads in a ethereal gold lace gown by British designer Phillipa Lepley. Her tiara of choice: the iconic Lover’s Knot Tiara, a pearl-and-diamond confection created in 1914 by Garrard for Queen Mary. This piece has a storied past, replicating an older family heirloom and later becoming a favorite of Princess Diana, who wore it frequently during her time as Princess of Wales. Catherine has made it her signature since 2015, donning it over a dozen times, including at recent diplomatic receptions. Paired with diamond frame earrings loaned from Queen Elizabeth II and her Royal Family Orders, the look was both elegant and evocative.

The reaction? Electric. Every time Catherine wears the Lover’s Knot, it reignites comparisons to Diana, her late mother-in-law. Fans adore the nod to tradition, seeing it as a bridge between generations—a personal message of respect and continuity for Prince William’s mother. But detractors murmur about living in Diana’s shadow, questioning if Catherine’s repeated choice signals a lack of originality or an unspoken pressure to emulate the “People’s Princess.” Social media exploded post-banquet: “Kate channeling Diana again—beautiful or burdensome?” one tweet read, garnering thousands of likes. Historians point out the tiara’s removable pearls, once upright but now often worn flat, symbolizing adaptability in the face of change. For Catherine, amid her own health challenges and public scrutiny, this jewel might convey resilience: a quiet affirmation that she honors the past while forging her future.

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The Princess of Wales dazzles in the Lover’s Knot Tiara, evoking memories of Princess Diana.

Yet, amid the spotlight on Camilla and Catherine, the true unsung star of the evening emerged from the shadows: Princess Anne, the Princess Royal. Often overlooked in jewel discussions, Anne shone in the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, a delicate aquamarine and diamond piece commissioned by King George VI for the Queen Mother and gifted to Anne as a wedding present in 1973. Recently on display at the Cartier exhibition in London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, this tiara was temporarily removed for the banquet, adding an air of exclusivity. Anne paired it with a vintage evening jacket, aquamarine earrings, necklace, and brooch, creating a cohesive, understated elegance that contrasted the flashier choices around her.

Why unsung? Anne’s tiara tells a tale of quiet dedication. Renovated by Anne herself, with its central element repurposed as a brooch, it embodies practicality—a hallmark of the hardworking princess who clocks more engagements than most royals. Reactions were overwhelmingly positive, with commentators hailing her as the “real MVP” of the night. “Anne’s aquamarine set stole my heart—timeless and unpretentious,” one fashion blogger wrote. The personal message? Loyalty to family tradition without the drama. In a evening dominated by high-profile pieces, Anne’s choice reminded us that true royalty shines through service, not just sparkle. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, even sported a new Royal Victorian Order decoration, underscoring their low-key yet impactful presence.

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Princess Anne in the Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, the evening’s understated gem.

Rounding out the royal radiance was Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, in Queen Mary’s Honeysuckle Tiara. This antique diamond piece, a favorite of Queen Mary, features interchangeable central stones—though for this event, Birgitte opted for the classic diamond without the pink kunzite seen previously. Paired with a blue gown, diamond necklace, and pearl bracelets, her look was a nod to vintage glamour. The tiara’s history ties back to the early 20th century, symbolizing enduring family bonds. While not sparking major debates, it added depth to the evening’s narrative, whispering messages of heritage passed down through less-visible branches of the family tree.

These jewels weren’t mere decorations; they were diplomatic tools, personal statements, and historical artifacts rolled into one. The Belgian Sapphire’s sapphires mirrored American blue, perhaps a subtle olive branch in tense times. The Lover’s Knot’s pearls evoked emotional ties across decades. Anne’s aquamarines highlighted reliability, while the Honeysuckle bloomed with quiet grace. Debates raged online about inheritance—who deserves which tiara?—fueling discussions on modern monarchy. Some see Camilla’s choices as bold assertions, others as respectful tributes. Catherine’s evoke nostalgia, stirring hearts worldwide.

In the end, this banquet at Windsor wasn’t just about politics; it was a jewel-encrusted drama, where each sparkle hid layers of meaning. As the Trumps departed, the royals’ choices lingered, prompting us to ponder: In a world of change, do these ancient gems unite or divide? The answers, like the jewels themselves, are multifaceted and eternally fascinating.