Members of the British royal family hosted a formal evening reception in honor of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman, who arrived in the UK on a state visit. The banquet served as the culmination of the monarch's first day in the country, gathering guests in an atmosphere governed by strict royal traditions. It was at this event that Queen Camilla drew special attention from the press and the public by choosing an elegant blue outfit and one of the most recognizable pieces in the royal treasury — the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara.
Camilla's Choice: A Tiara with History
The piece worn by the Queen holds special significance for the British monarchy: it was among Elizabeth II's absolute favorite tiaras, worn by the late Queen on numerous official occasions throughout her 70-year reign. Thus, Camilla's choice was not merely a stylistic decision, but a nod to a long-standing tradition where royal jewels are passed down through generations and remain a vital part of the house's official wardrobe.
From 1893 to the “Granny’s Tiara”
The history of the jewel began in 1893 when the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland organization presented the tiara to Princess Mary of Teck on the occasion of her marriage to the Duke of York. Originally decorated with pearls, Queen Mary later ordered the stones to be replaced with diamonds. The tiara features distinctive festoon elements and heraldic fleur-de-lis motifs, with its unique feature being versatility: the structure can be transformed into a necklace. Later, the jewel was inherited by Elizabeth II — in 1947, Queen Mary gifted it to her granddaughter for her wedding to Prince Philip. Elizabeth valued the piece so much that she affectionately called it “Granny's tiara.”
Outfit Details and Royal Honors
In addition to the tiara, Camilla completed her evening look with a diamond necklace and long earrings that harmonized with the main piece of jewelry. Among the royal honors on her attire was also the Royal Family Order of King Charles III. The combination of these details created a cohesive official look compliant with state reception protocol.
A Tradition Connecting Generations
The Queen's appearance in the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara once again recalled the long-standing history of royal jewels passed down between generations, retaining their status as a significant part of the British monarchy's official wardrobe. Such decisions emphasize continuity: each new public appearance of the historic tiara cements its place in the visual memory of the royal house.
