Queen Camilla delivered one of the most eye-catching royal style moments of the year at Windsor Castle's Diplomatic Reception, reintroducing a historic emerald tiara best known for its appearance at Princess Eugenie's 2018 wedding. The event, held on Nov. 18 and attended by King Charles and Prince William, marked the first time the gathering has returned to Windsor since 2001 and became a showcase for one of the monarchy's most distinctive jewels.
The Queen arrived in a white evening gown paired with the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, an instantly recognizable piece seldom seen in public. The tiara, constructed in 1919 and anchored by a 93.7-carat emerald, drew immediate attention across royal observers and social media due to its strong association with Eugenie's nuptials and its rarity within the royal rotation. The palace confirmed only that the tiara was selected from the late Queen Elizabeth II's jewel collection.
The reception, traditionally held at Buckingham Palace, returned to Windsor this year amid ongoing renovations at the London residence. The shift created a high-profile stage for the King, Prince William and the Queen to receive ambassadors and foreign dignitaries, reinforcing Britain's diplomatic ties at a time when the royal household continues navigating its post-Elizabeth II identity. Camilla's appearance with the emerald kokoshnik became the visual centerpiece of the evening.
The tiara's history traces back to socialite Margaret Greville, who bequeathed her extensive jewelry collection to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. For decades, the kokoshnik-shaped after traditional Russian court headdresses and set with pavé diamonds-remained largely unseen. Its reemergence on Princess Eugenie in 2018 revived public interest in the piece and introduced a new generation to one of the most ornate designs in the royal vault.
Camilla's decision to wear the same diadem reflects a broader shift in how the modern monarchy circulates heritage jewellery among senior royal women. In the past year, the Queen has appeared in several rarely worn pieces, including the Aquamarine Ribbon Tiara, signaling an effort to maintain continuity with the late Queen Elizabeth II's style while bringing previously retired pieces back into public view.
The Windsor reception also underscored the continued prominence of the Princess of Wales and the Prince of Wales in formal diplomatic engagements, though the tiara moment dominated coverage. For a gathering meant to emphasize diplomacy rather than spectacle, Camilla's choice of jewels ensured the evening resonated beyond the castle's walls and reinforced the monarchy's enduring ability to generate cultural attention.
