The charming way Kate Middleton’s unique coronation headpiece paid utmost respect to King Charles

There's a sweet story behind Kate Middleton’s unique coronation headpiece

kate middleton in custom made tiara at king charles' corronation
(Image credit: Getty Image)

For today’s coronation ceremony, all eyes were on Kate Middleton, with fans eager to see what the Princess would wear.


For months, speculation has been mounting around what Kate Middleton will wear for King Charles’ coronation but today all has been revealed with the princess wearing a white gown by Alexander McQueen for the extravagant ceremony at Westminster Abbey. Kate has long been a fan of the British brand, and, of course, wore a custom Alexander McQueen wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton when she married Prince William back in 2011. 

For her wedding, she borrowed one of Queen Elizabeth’s tiaras - the Cartier Halo Knot Tiara, a brilliant headpiece made up of hundreds of baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace

(Image credit: Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Royal fans and fashion lovers alike have been wondering for months whether or not the Princess of Wales would wear a tiara for King Charles’ coronation and if, so which one. Today all has been revealed as she opted for a brand new headpiece designed by Alexander McQueen and London-based milliner Jess Collett

The unique design is made from silver bullion and crystal, finished off with silver threadwork in the shape of leaves echoing the ‘nature’ theme of the event. Kate also adorably twinned with Princess Charlotte who wore a mini version of the sparkling leaf tiara.

kate middleton wearing unique headpiece at the kings coronation

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Emery Silver Leaf And Bead Headband, $78.99 (£75) | Jon Richard

Emery Silver Leaf And Bead Headband, $78.99 (£75) | Jon Richard

Similar to Kate's leafy headpiece, this slightly more understated band will also make a total statement.

While most of us are familiar with the work of fashion house Alexander McQueen, Jess Collett is not as widely known but there’s a sweet story behind the milliner’s brand and that’s where King Charles comes in. 25 years ago Jess secured her very first loan from The Prince's Trust to help build up her business and she shared a sweet image to her Instagram page thanking King Charles and the Trust for their support.

Fans of the milliner were quick to compliment Jess on her stunning designs for both Princess Kate and Charlotte with one saying, “Just seen that Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte are wearing your hats - absolutely brilliant”, while The Prince's Trust were keen to thank Jess for her work too.

“Thanks for being such a special part of our history and sharing your #PrincesTrust story today.” they shared.

So it turns out that while Kate shunned ancient tradition by choosing a brand new headpiece, it was actually a massive showcase of her affection for King Charles. 

Lydia Swinscoe
Travel writer & editor

Lydia is a travel writer and solo travel expert, based mostly in London. Her work has been published in print and online for the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, BBC Travel, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Marie Claire, Oh magazine, Town&Country, and woman&home.