Kate Middleton Honors Princess Diana with Heirloom Brooch During Sultan of Oman's State Visit

The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, marked the start of the Sultan of Oman's three-day state visit to England with a sartorial nod to both the visiting country and royal heritage. She donned an emerald green Alexander McQueen coat dress, a color choice that appeared to echo the flag of Oman.

The royal welcomed His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The visit, at the request of the British government, is focused on strengthening trade, diplomatic, military, and cultural ties between the United Kingdom and Oman.

Diplomatic Dressing and Royal Tributes

Accompanying the striking green coat, Kate Middleton wore a matching Juliette Botterill fascinator. However, a particularly significant element of her ensemble was a diamond and emerald brooch pinned to her lapel. This 160-year-old piece once belonged to Princess Diana, Kate's late mother-in-law.

The heirloom brooch features a teardrop emerald pendant set within a diamond oval, surmounted by the three-feathered insignia of the Prince of Wales and the motto "Ich Dien" (I serve). The piece was originally a wedding gift in 1863 to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. It has passed through several royal hands, including Queen Mary and the Queen Mother, before being given to Princess Diana upon her marriage to King Charles in 1981.

King Charles III gifted the brooch to Kate in 2022, intending it as a tribute to the women who have held the title of Princess of Wales. Diana famously wore the brooch, fashioned into a necklace, to a gala in Vienna in 1986.

The Official Welcome

Sultan Haitham bin Tarik was initially greeted by Prince William at one of his private residences before traveling to Windsor. The King and Queen, accompanied by Kate, then formally welcomed the Sultan at the Royal Dais. A traditional royal salute was fired by the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery to mark the occasion.

In a departure from usual protocol, Kate did not accompany Prince William in the initial greeting. This adjustment was made as the Sultan is visiting without his wife.

Following the formal welcome, the Sultan joined the Royal Family for a carriage procession through Windsor to the castle. The King and Sultan traveled in the Irish State Coach, while the Queen and Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs were in the Scottish State Coach. The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the Australian State Coach with other Omani officials.

The day's events included a private lunch and a special exhibition of items related to Oman from the Royal Collection. The visit will culminate in a State Banquet hosted by the King and Queen for the Sultan at Windsor Castle, where both monarchs are expected to deliver speeches.