Princess Kate wowed with a stunning headpiece she debuted at King Charles’s Coronation back in May 2023, and it’s only now we know the details of the accessory.
The three-dimensional leaf embroidery headpiece, made of silver bullion, crystals and silver threadwork, was designed by Jess Collet, in collaboration with Alexander McQueen.
The British hatmaker, who made the the silver band for the Princess of Wales, also made a headpiece for Princess Charlotte. And while it was initially reported that Princess Kate’s accessory was a headpiece, the designer revealed it was actually a tiara.
In an interview with People, Ms Collet said: “It was a tiara that I made for the princess, but it was very much based on a piece that I have called ‘The Golden Crown’ — a band of leaves made from gold leather.
“When people wear it, and many people have hired it, they always tell me after that they felt fabulous and radiant from inside,” she added.
The hatmaker wanted Kate to wear a statement piece that marked her role of future Queen, without taking away too much attention from King Charles and the Queen Consort.
Constructed from silver leaves made from tulle, the tiara featured tiny crystals scattered around the sparkling leaves, each one hand embroidered with real silver thread.
Ms Collet said it was a pinch-me moment to see it live on Princess Kate during the Coronation. The mum said even her children were impressed with the outcome.
“We were at home watching it from the sofa, in my pajamas with my family. When Catherine arrived, I just … even my children went, ‘Oh wow, Mum, it looks really good.’ And you know children are not afraid to tell the truth! It was so exciting and nerve-wracking, but everything I have ever dreamed of.”
It was a full circle moment for the hatmaker, who started her business with a loan from The Prince’s Trust – a charity started by the then-prince – 27 years ago.
According to News 24, King Charles requested only headpieces be worn at the Coronation, and that only he and Queen Camilla should be in a tiara or crown as he wanted it to be “meritocratic not aristocratic”.
