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The Deeper Meaning Behind Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s Adorned Royal Sash

Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton

The Duchess of Cambridge talks to guests at an evening reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Getty

Last night, the Duchess of Cambridge attended the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. The annual event attracts 1,000 guests, from ambassadors to government officials. With a dress code of white tie, the duchess wore a navy Alexander McQueen gown—and full royal regalia.

On her head was the Lover’s Knot tiara. The priceless piece is a favorite of the duchess, who last donned the diadem during the state banquet for President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, in June 2019. Made by Garrard in 1913, it contains diamond arches adorned with drop pearls.

The Lover’s Knot is often associated with Princess Diana, who was photographed wearing it on many occasions. As a result, it has arguably become the most famous tiara of the British royal family.

The duchess paired this rare artifact with dangling diamond earrings and a matching necklace.

Another noticeable part of the duchess’s state dinner ensemble? An adorned sash.

On April 29—her 8th wedding anniversary—Queen Elizabeth appointed the duchess to the Royal Victorian Order. “Awards in the Royal Victorian Order are made personally by the Queen, for services to the Sovereign,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement. It was a great honor, and one that affirmed the monarch’s respect for the Duchess.

And here, she wore the Royal Victorian Order’s badge, a white enamel Maltese cross with a Tudor Crown, for the second time. Pinned to her chest was the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II, a yellow badge given to the female members of the British monarchy. She first debuted the sash and its accompaniments at the Trump dinner, where she walked through the halls of Buckingham Palace accompanied by US Secretary of Treasury Steve Mnuchin.

Altogether, the sash symbolizes the Queen’s high regard for her granddaughter-in-law.

Originally published on Vogue.com

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