Queen Camilla Revives Queen Elizabeth II’s Sapphire Tiara at State Banquet for Nigerian President
Viable News Team 
Queen Camilla turned heads at a recent state banquet in Buckingham Palace, stepping out in one of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s most treasured pieces of jewellery.
The Queen Consort attended the formal dinner on Wednesday in honour of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, showcasing the historic Belgian Sapphire Tiara.
A Royal Jewellery Statement
Queen Camilla paired the tiara with an elegant embroidered ivory gown, accessorising with sapphire and diamond earrings that also belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
The Belgian Sapphire Tiara is one of the most recognisable sapphire sets in the British royal collection, known for its deep blue stones surrounded by diamonds.
The piece is believed to have been refashioned from a 19th-century necklace originally owned by Princess Louise of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, linking it to European royal heritage long before it entered the British collection.
A Symbol of Continuity
Since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, Queen Camilla has increasingly worn pieces from the late monarch’s jewellery collection, signalling continuity within the monarchy.
She has chosen the Belgian Sapphire Tiara for several high-profile occasions, including:
- A state banquet for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron
- Her first state banquet as Queen Consort in November 2022, when the royal family hosted South African President Cyril Ramaphosa
Royal observers say her repeated use of the tiara reflects both its historical importance and its personal significance within the royal collection.
Diplomatic Significance of the Banquet
State banquets at Buckingham Palace are among the most important ceremonial events in the United Kingdom, often used to strengthen diplomatic ties.
The visit by President Tinubu highlights the longstanding relationship between the UK and Nigeria, with trade, security and cultural cooperation high on the agenda.
Royal fashion at such events is closely watched, with jewellery choices often seen as symbolic gestures of heritage, diplomacy and continuity.
Royal Style Meets History
The Belgian Sapphire Tiara remains one of the standout pieces in the royal vault, admired for both its craftsmanship and its lineage.
By wearing it once again, Queen Camilla continues to blend modern royal style with historic legacy, ensuring that Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic collection remains in the public eye during key international engagements.
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