King Charles’ wife, Camilla, decided to shine like a queen today, flashing a special crown just like the rulers before her.

Camilla joined the king this Tuesday morning, November 7, for the opening of the British Parliament, Charles’ first official event as monarch. While King Charles wore the Imperial State Crown during the ceremony, the first time he has worn the piece since he was crowned in May, Camilla dazzled in a diamond tiara instead.

This is the George IV State Tiara, an accessory made for the coronation of King George IV. 1820, said to have been worn by the monarch, accompanied by a purple velvet cap, in the procession to Westminster Abbey for the coronation ceremony.

King Charles III wears his crown for the first time, something he has not done since he was crowned, at the opening of Parliament

Britain’s King Charles III, wearing the imperial state crown and coat of arms, and Britain’s Queen Camilla, wearing the George IV tiara of state, prepare to leave after reading the King’s Speech, in the chamber of the House of Lords, during the State Opening of Parliament, in Parliament House, in London, November 7, 2023. (Photo by Leon Neal / POOL / AFP)
Photo: AFP
Britain’s Queen Camilla, wearing George IV’s State Tiara, listens as Britain’s King Charles III reads the King’s Speech in the Chamber of the House of Lords, during the State Opening of Parliament, at the Houses of Parliament, in London, November 7, 2023. (Photo: Leon Neal / POOL / AFP)
Photo: AFP

Since King George IV, every British queen has worn a diamond tiara, whether reigning or consort, including Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Queen Elizabeth.

In fact, in modern times this headdress has been notoriously associated with the late Queen Elizabeth, mother of King Charles, who died in September 2022. She first wore the diamond tiara in public at her first State Opening of Parliament in 1952. Then at her coronation ceremony 1953. Like her predecessors, she wore a fashion accessory on her way to Westminster Abbey.

Statue of the late British Queen Elizabeth II. at York Minster, York, Great Britain, November 9, 2022. The picture shows the famous tiara of George IV. EFE/EPA/PETER POWELL
Photo: PETER POWELL

Elizabeth also wore the tiara to other State Openings of Parliament, although she later swapped it for the Imperial State Crown, which King Charles had just worn to his first State Opening of Parliament. On photographs, banknotes and postage stamps of Britain and the Commonwealth, Elizabeth appears with the unmistakable accessory.

The late Queen Elizabeth wears George IV’s tiara on coins and banknotes that circulated during her reign. Photo: Photo montage (Shutterstock photos)

For her part, Queen Camilla combined the tiara with the same outfit she wore on the day of her husband’s coronation. It’s a white dress designed by Bruce Oldfield adorned with personal embellishments, such as flowers, a crown, the names of her children and grandchildren, and even embroidered versions of Camilla’s two dogs, Beth and Bluebell.

Britain’s Queen Camilla waves from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on May 6, 2023, after her coronation. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
Photo: AFP
Britain’s King Charles III and Britain’s Queen Consort Camilla at the coronation at Westminster Abbey, central London, May 6, 2023. (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP)
Photo: AFP

The diamond diadem features 1,333 diamonds, including a four-carat pale yellow brilliant in the center of the front cross. The four crosses alternate with four branches representing the national symbols of England (roses), Ireland (clover) and Scotland (thistles). (AND)