The Kate Middleton coronation effect: Is this the end of the traditional tiara? Long Live the floral headpiece

Although it was speculated that Kate Middleton might wear a real flower headpiece to highlight sustainability for the coronation, she instead chose an exquisite Jess Collett X Alexander McQueen headpiece. Vogue France described it as a “headpiece fashioned from silver bullion and crystal with three-dimensional embroidery. The eight-year-old Princess Charlotte wore an Alexander McQueen dress and cape in ivory silk crepe with the same motifs, and a Jess Collett X Alexander McQueen headpiece, similar to the one worn by her mother.”

Some may say reading this article that Kate Middleton’s headpiece looks remarkably similar to a tiara, but as a former bridal Editor, I can assure you that it isn’t. A traditional tiara is a type of crown that is typically worn by royalty at momentous occasions. One can normally expect to see a 'traditional tiara' embellished with lots of precious stones such as pearls.

So, why did Kate choose a floral headpiece instead of a tiara? After all, she wore a tiara for her own wedding day in 2011. Tatler described Kate’s bridal tiara as the “Cartier Halo tiara, it’s made up of 739-brilliant cut diamonds and 149 baguette diamonds, and was lent to Kate by the Queen.”

The main reason why Kate is believed to have opted for a floral headpiece instead of a tiara is because she wanted to ensure that she looked more low-key in order to fit in with the pared back/simpler coronation. According to Harper’s Bazaar “The ceremony was intentionally designed to weave in the King’s lifelong passion for the environment, with several decisions being made in the interest of sustainability. This includes the king and queen consort’s reuse of their throne chairs and crowns, the invitations being printed on recycled papers, and thoughtfully crafted floral arrangements.”

Although Kate Middleton’s decision to wear a floral headpiece will have nothing to do with setting a new trend, I guarantee you that newly engaged brides or those hoping for a proposal soon, will be taking note. 

Just like when Kate decided to wear a lace Alexander McQueen gown for her wedding in 2011, which catapulted lace back as a bridal trend, believe me when I tell you that floral headpieces are not only going to be HUGE for 2023, but for the next couple of years ahead.