Princess Kate’s style choice has been confirmed after a Kensington Palace statement sparked confusion.
Jess Collett, the designer behind the Princess of Wales’s headpiece at the 2023 Coronation, has finally confirmed the accessory did classify as a tiara.
There was much speculation leading up to King Charles’s Coronation that Kate, 42, would not wear a tiara in line with His Majesty’s wishes.
One week prior to the Coronation, The Times reported that Princess Kate was planning to wear a floral headpiece instead of a tiara.
Princess Kate style choice confirmed after Kensington Palace statement sparked confusion
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It was suggested this was because King Charles believed in the importance of sustainability and his love of nature.
In addition, guests were asked to wear hats or fascinators to the event.
Following the ceremony, Kensington Palace issued a statement to say that Kate did not wear a tiara to the Coronation.
Instead, they claimed her headpiece, a Jess Collet and Alexander McQueen creation, consisted of silver bullion, crystal, and silver thread leaf embroidery that formed a point above her head.
Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte with their tiaras arriving at the Coronation
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However, Collett has now spoken out about her design, confirming that it was, in fact, a tiara.
She told People: “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.”
Speaking about Kate’s headpiece, Collett said: “We were at home watching it from the sofa, in my pyjamas with my family.
Princess Kate’s headpiece designer confirmed it was a tiara
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“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.”
Collett started her business with a £3,900 loan from The Prince’s Trust 27 years ago.
She added: “The only way I can describe it is that the stars were aligned.
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Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte’s tiaras visible on the Buckingham Palace balcony
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“I still really do feel all of those things I felt on the day whenever I think about it. I’m not sure I will ever be able to beat it!”
While the Coronation was the first time Collett worked with the Princess of Wales, she is hoping it will not be the last.
She continued: “I remember thinking at the time, ‘Well, I won’t have to do this again, because she’ll be wearing the actual crown next time!’
“But she always looks good. She’s confident in her style and she’s so graceful — she’s really grown into the role.”
