Kate Middleton Goes Full Princess Mode in Sparking Red Gown and Historic Tiara at Buckingham Palace

For the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace, Kate Middleton styled her red gown with a collection of royal jewels, including Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's Lotus Flower Tiara.

By Ashley Joy Parker Dec 06, 2022 11:54 PMTags
Watch: Kate Middleton Is Officially a Princess

Lady Royal in red.

After arriving back in the U.K. following a short trip to the United States, Kate Middleton made a ravishing, regal appearance at a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace on Dec. 6. 

For the event—hosted by King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla—the Princess of Wales dressed up in a sparking scarlet, long-sleeve evening gown by Jenny Packham worn with Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Family Order badge and the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order, which were personal gifts from the late monarch.

For her jewels, Kate wore several pieces from the royal archives, including diamond frame earrings and diamond Art Deco brooch. She topped off her elegant look with what is known as the Lotus Flower Tiara, sometimes also called the "Papyrus Tiara," which originally belonged to King Charles' grandmother Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

The crown was previously a diamond and pearl necklace, purchased for the queen from Garrard by her husband, later crowned King George VI, as a wedding present in 1923, according to The Court Jeweller. But the Queen Mother apparently wasn't particularly fond of the design. Less than a year after her royal wedding, she had the necklace transformed into an Art Deco-inspired tiara, featuring scroll and festoon motifs alongside stylized lotus flowers.

photos
Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2022 Boston Visit

Kate, 40, previously wore the historic piece for the Diplomatic Reception in 2013 and to the Chinese state banquet in 2015, according to the site.

Victoria Jones - Pool/Getty Images

The Diplomatic Corps reception comes four days after Kate and her husband Prince William wrapped up their three-day visit of Boston. The trip culminated with the couple walking the red carpet at 2022 Earthshot Prize ceremony on Dec 2, where the princess wore a vibrant green Solace London gown from rental site HURR, styled with an emerald choker belonging to Princess Diana, according to a Kensington Palace spokesperson. 

Keep scrolling to see more stunning style moments from the Princess of Wales. 

Royal in Red

For a Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in December 2022, the Princess of Wales styled her sparkly Jenny Packham gown with several regal accessories, including Queen Elizabeth II's Royal Family Order badge, the sash and star of the Royal Victorian Order, diamond frame earrings, a diamond Art Deco brooch and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's famed Lotus Flower Tiara.

Princess of Style

Shortly after succeeding the Princess of Wales title, Kate wore this stunning Jenny Packham gown with Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara to a state dinner in 2022.

Vision in White

There's nothing more refreshing than seeing a royal who isn't afraid to wear an item on numerous occasions. The royal last wore this Barbara Casasola number at the 2016 for the Art Fund awards.

Elegance at Work

Kate  took the army's salute in a lovely Catherine Walker coat dress, which she paired with matching clutch and shoes.

Flaunt It

Kate showed the Americans how it is done in a white gown by Alexander McQueen, the same designer who created her iconic wedding dress.

Tea Party Ready

When in the presence of the Queen it is pretty important to wear your Sunday finest. For the occasion, the Princess of Wales sported a pink coat dress by Alexander McQueen and a fascinator by Juliette Botterill.

Boho Chic

For the Chelsea Flower Show, the Duchess of Cambridge wore a whimsical dress from British label Erdem.

Sophisticated Suits

Kate wore the matching blazer and skirt combo to The Royal Foundation's Mental Health in Education conference.

Gorgeous Gowns

The royal stunned in a white McQueen gown for the 2019 BAFTA Awards.

Going Green

Kate turned heads in this Eponine London dress for Children's Mental Health Week.

Cute and Casual

The royal looked fabulous in a tweed jacket and boots at Islington Community Garden.

Pretty in Plaid

Kate looked gorgeous in a Q by McQueen green and blue tartan coat dress in Dundee, Scotland.

Bold and Beautiful

The royal isn't afraid to rock a bold shade, like this pretty magenta she wore to The Royal Opera House.

Beautiful in Blue

Kate was all smiles as she watched a flypast to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Air Force.

Elegant in Emerald

The mother of three stunned in this number for the Family Action Charity.

Royal Red

Next to Meghan Markle's royal blues, the Duchess of Cambridge's monochromatic ensemble makes a major impact.

Teal Time

Kate took a stroll with Prince William in a coat dress, matching hat and black pumps.

Festive and Chic

Kate have us major holiday fashion inspo in this green and white L.K. Bennett polka dot dress paired with a khaki clutch and matching heels for a visit to Evelina London Children's Hospital.

Cinderella Story

The princess looked like a real-life Cinderella at a diplomatic reception in this sparkly Jenny Packham gown that featured sheer cap sleeves and clusters of sequins.

Fabulous Flare

For an official visit to RAF Akrotiri, Kate rocked a business-casual look that included a forest green Smythe blazer paired with navy trousers and a white shirt.

Pleasant in Plaid

Kate hosted a holiday party in this festive plaid Emilia Wickstead skirt paired with a black Brora cardigan and slouchy black high-heel boots.

Burgundy Beauty

The royal visitsed UCL Developmental Neuroscience Lab at UCL London in a burgundy Paule Ka blazer and skirt paired with a black turtleneck, tights and heels.

Buttoned and Belted

Kate stunned in a chic blue coat dress that featured a belted waist, button detailing and a collar paired with matching navy pumps and a black clutch to open the McLaren Automotive's new Composites Technology Centre.

Velvet Trim

Kate attended the Remembrance Day service in a dark green coat with button detailing and a velvet trim collar, cuffs and pockets, and paired it with a fuzzy headband and carried a black clutch.

Aquamarine Dream

For the Tusk Conservation Awards, Kate wore her aquamarine Jenny Packham gown (a stunning look she's worn before) paired with diamond chandelier earrings, a matching clutch and Jimmy Choo pumps.

Nice in Navy

The Princess of Wales arrived at Imperial War Museum in a fitted blue sheath dress, nude heels and a matching nude clutch.

Royal Wedding Style

In honor of Princess Eugenie's wedding, Kate wore an all-fuchsia ensemble that included a stunning dress and matching fascinator from Alexander McQueen.

Chic in Check

The mother of three stunned in a burgundy accented Erdem check print dress paired with a matching clutch and heels.

Lady in Lavender

Kate looked typically elegant for a mental health summit in this beautiful purple Emilia Wickstead dress, nude heels and an Aspinal leather handbag.

Cinderella Moment

The royal's blue taffeta Alexander McQueen gown at the state banquet had all kinds of Disney princess vibes from Queen Mary Lovers Knot tiara to Princess Diana's Collingwood pearl earrings.

photos
View More Photos From Kate Middleton's Best Looks
Sign up for E! Insider! Unlock exclusive content, custom alerts & more!