Kate Middleton wears a glittering tiara for a lavish white-tie reception with the Queen

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Kate Middleton wore a tiara last night and, sadly, this may be the only picture we get to see of it. Unlike almost all other royal engagements that are extremely public and publicized, the Queen’s annual Diplomatic Reception is a closed event. So we’re left guessing at what the rest of Kate’s pale-blue gown looks like—it’s bespoke Alexander McQueen, if that helps—and can only dream of the goings-on at this lavish, white-tie event. (Which, FYI, is a big deal for Will and Kate, as only top-tier royals are invited.)

Now for some tiara trivia, as there is indeed a lot information available on Kate’s newest accessory. Much like the Cambridge’s apartment in Kensington Palace, the tiara used to belong to Princess Margaret. But it was originally owned by the Queen Mother, who had jewellers convert a pearl and diamond necklace (a wedding present from her soon-to-be-king husband, George VI) into the final piece, which is known as the Papyrus Tiara. Necklace-to-tiara conversions are apparently quite common, and there’s speculation that Kate may eventually convert her ruby and diamond necklace—which she wore to the Sun Military Awards in 2011—into a tiara.

And, just because a diamond and pearl heirloom tiara isn’t enough for a white-tie reception, Kate also wore a pair of diamond chandelier earrings last night. The stunning earrings were last seen on the red carpet in Los Angeles for the 2011 BAFTA Awards and are said to be part of the Queen’s collection. What we would give for a invitation to peek inside that jewellery vault…

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