Queen Camilla wears late monarch's iconic tiara for the first time as King Charles hosts Qatari state banquet
Queen Camilla has worn one of her late mother-in-law's most famous tiaras for the Qatari state banquet.
The Kokoshnik tiara was originally owned by Queen Alexandra and later worn by Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II.
It became one of Elizabeth II's most-worn tiaras during her record-breaking 70-year reign and was a personal favourite.
READ MORE: Queen Mary has new tiara made from historic Crown Jewels
King Charles III and Queen Camilla hosted the Emir of Qatar and his wife at a state banquet inside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday evening. Getty
Queen Camilla wore the spectacular piece for the dinner inside Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night, as King Charles welcomed the Emir of Qatar and his wife to London for a state visit.
David and Victoria Beckham were among guests at the banquet. The footballer has attended many royal events over the years but this was Beckham's first invitation to a state banquet.
He was there following his 2022 appointment as an ambassador for the World Cup in Qatar, something Beckham was heavily criticised at the time for.
David and Victoria Beckham walk through the East Gallery of Buckingham Palace on their way to the state banquet on December 3. Getty
The Prince of Wales was in attendance, along with the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Princess Royal.
The Princess of Wales missed the banquet but was present for the ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade earlier, the carriage procession to Buckingham Palace and lunch. It was Kate's first participation in a state visit since her cancer diagnosis and completion of chemotherapy.
Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik tiara
Queen Camilla's appearance at the banquet came after she was forced to miss the morning's outdoor events, due to the effects of a chest infection which the palace said had turned into pneumonia.
READ MORE: Princess of Wales back at work for state visit
The 77-year-old paired the Kokoshnik tiara with a red velvet dress by Fiona Clare and Queen Elizabeth II's City of London Fringe necklace, which was a wedding gift when she married Prince Philip in November, 1947.
Pinned to her gown were the Family Orders of both Elizabeth II and Charles III.
Queen Camilla wore Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik tiara for the first time and Queen Elizabeth's diamond fringe necklace. Getty
Since Her late Majesty's death in September 2022, Camilla has worn five of Elizabeth II's tiaras.
In June, at a state banquet for Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, Queen Camilla wore the Burmese Ruby Tiara for the second time.
At the 2023 Diplomatic Corps reception, the Queen wore Elizabeth II's most recognisable headpiece: the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, which she first wore in October that year to a dinner in London.
In 2022, at the first palace event requiring tiaras since the monarch's death, Camilla wore the sapphire parure, also known as the King George VI Victorian suite.
Most recently, Queen Camilla wore the Aquamarine ribbon tiara to the Diplomatic Corps reception in late November.
Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik tiara is part of the royal collection, meaning it passes from monarch to monarch.
It was presented to Queen Alexandra, when Princess of Wales, for her 25th wedding anniversary in 1888 by the 'Ladies of Society' – 365 peeresses of the United Kingdom.
It is based on the traditional Russian headdress called a 'kokoshnik', which became popular as a style of tiara in Western Europe in the late nineteenth century.
The King and the Emir of Qatar at the state banquet on Tuesday. Getty
Designed by Garrard, it was one of Queen Elizabeth II's favourite tiaras and was also loved by her grandmother, Queen Mary.
The tiara can also be worn as a necklace.
The Qatari state banquet
King Charles paid tribute to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, at the banquet on Tuesday evening.
Speaking in Arabic, the King said: "Peace be upon you" before adding "welcome back to the United Kingdom, your second home".
Charles III said: "Your Highnesses, our unique, shared history stretches back over 160 years. The United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar's oldest friend in the Western world. We have a special bond founded on mutual respect which has stood the test of time.
The Emir has been a frequent visitor to the UK over the years. AP
"Indeed, Qatar's role in navigating the challenges of recent years has been invaluable...Your humanity, vision and leadership matter more than I can possibly say."
In response, the Emir praised the King's efforts for "inter-faith dialogue" and said the UK and Qatar are "not only friends, but partners".
He added: "Let us pray for the continued health of His Majesty, and to the strength of our alliance and friendship".
The Prince and Princess of Wales took on a prominent role in welcoming the Emir and his wife to the UK earlier in the day, likely because of the similarities between the two couples.
All three are in their early 40s and were educated at elite British prep schools. The Emir and Prince William are both graduates of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, with the Emir going on to serve in the Qatari military and William serving in both the British Army and Royal Air Force.
On Wednesday (Thursday in Australia), the Emir will visit Sandhurst, meeting with some of his former classmates and current Qatari cadets. He will also meet with RAF personnel who are providing advanced training for Qatari air force pilots.
The Emir will then travel to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's residence at 10 Downing Street for a meeting.
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