Why Kate Middleton broke the tiara tradition at the coronation: the stylish Princess of Wales opted for a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen floral headpiece in honour of King Charles’ green theme

May 9, 2023

Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, arrives for the coronation of King Charles in London, on May 6. Photo: AP

Some royal spectators were surprised when Middleton arrived at the coronation of King Charles wearing a floral headpiece rather than a traditional tiara – but it was a conscious choice

Being an environmental advocate, Charles had set a ‘green’ theme for the event, which Queen Camilla and Princess Charlotte also honoured; Middleton later shone in earrings once owned by Princess Diana

Catherine, Princess of Wales and Prince William’s wife, on Saturday chose a floral headpiece instead of a tiara for the coronation of King Charles, in line with the “green” tone set for the occasion by the king.

Charles, a long-time environmental advocate with a passion for nature, made his wishes clear when he sent out coronation invitations featuring the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore symbolising the arrival of spring and rebirth.

Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, is seen at The Mall opposite to Marlborough Road following Britain’s King Charles’ coronation ceremony in London, Britain, on May 6. Photo: Reuters

The break with tradition was also in keeping with Charles’ reported desire that the coronation be “meritocratic, not aristocratic”, which saw the aristocracy largely replaced with “community heroes” who had earned their place.

At the last coronation in 1953, almost all senior royal women and female aristocrats wore tiaras featuring precious stones and pearls.

Catherine, whose formal title is Princess of Wales, instead wore a silver Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece with three-dimensional leaf embroidery, Buckingham Palace said.

Her dress, also by Alexander McQueen, was in ivory silk crepe with embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs to signify the four nations of the United Kingdom. It was worn with a ceremonial cape.

Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh (left) Kate, Princess of Wales (centre) and Prince William (right) stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis during the coronation of Britain’s King Charles in London, on May 6. Photo: AP

She also wore a set of pearl and diamond earrings that belonged to Prince William’s late mother Princess Diana.