The Duchess of Cornwall stepped out in a priceless platinum tiara last night, donning a piece which has only been worn twice before.

The tiara, which is set in platinum, carries brilliant-cut diamonds that have been mounted in gold.

The tiara was made in 1911 for Queen Mary, who wore the piece during the coronation of her husband George V as King and Emperor of India. It was given to the Queen Mother for a visit to South Africa, who kept it until her death. It is now owned by the Queen but had not been worn since 1947.

Whilst it originally incorporated five Cambridge cabochon emeralds, they were taken out by Queen Mary and now form a separate tiara for the Queen.

Camilla, who married Prince Charles in April, wore the jewellery at her first royal banquet, called in honour of the King and Queen of Norway.

Crown Prince Haakon of Norway and Crown Princess Mette-Marit also attended, along with Tony Blair and Jack Straw and the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

Guests are required to wear full ceremonial dress for royal banquets, which for women includes tiaras.


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