The Duchess of Edinburgh joined other members of the Royal Family for a state banquet on Tuesday (8 July) and wore her personal tiara, which has a clever trick behind it. Sophie was wearing the Wessex Aquamarine tiara featuring a stunning aquamarine jewel as the centrepiece, but the best part is that the tiara also transforms into a necklace.

Sophie’s tiara was a bespoke piece created for her by G. Collins & Sons, which she first debuted in Monaco in 2005. She then wore it as a necklace at a gala the following year. The ocean-themed tiara is constructed of diamond ‘waves’ that flow towards the central aquamarine stone.

windsor, england july 8: prince edward, duke of edinburgh and sophie, duchess of edinburgh arrive for the state banquet for president of france emmanuel macron and his wife brigitte macron, at windsor castle on july 8, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by aaron chown pool/getty images)
Pool
london march 08: sophie rhys jones, countess of wessex arrives at the childline mission enfance royal gala dinner at banqueting house on march 8, 2006 in london, england. the gala in aid of childrens charities includes a reception, dinner and charity auction, with a performance by classical singer katherine jenkins. (photo by mj kim/getty images)
MJ Kim
The Duchess wearing the Wessex Aquamarine tiara in its necklace form in 2006.

This week’s state banquet was held in honour of French President Macron and his wife Brigitte, who were beginning their three-day State Visit in the UK – France’s first in 17 years. The Prince and Princess of Wales met the couple on their arrival by plane into the UK and joined them on a carriage procession with The King and Queen through Windsor up to the Castle.

What to read next

The day culminated in a banquet in President Macron and Brigitte’s honour, which was attended by many members of the Royal Family including The King and Queen, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Anne. All members were in full regalia for the occasion, including medals and tiaras.

windsor, england july 08: prince william, prince of wales and catherine, princess of wales attend the state banquet at windsor castle on july 08, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by chris jackson/getty images)
Chris Jackson

For the occasion, Kate wore the Lover’s Knot tiara, often worn by the late Princess Diana, along with the Greville Chandelier earrings, which were owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Her deep red, cape-style Givenchy dress was designed by Sarah Burton, who also designed her wedding dress.

windsor, england july 8: prince edward, duke of edinburgh and sophie, duchess of edinburgh view items on display during the president of france and his wife's visit to the royal collection exhibition, in the green drawing room at windsor castle on july 8, 2025 in windsor, england. president emmanuel macron and mrs brigitte macron visit the uk in the first visit state visit made by france in 17 years. they are staying at windsor castle, hosted by king charles iii and queen camilla, and a banquet will be held there in their honour. the macrons will visit imperial college, and the president will address parliament during his stay. (photo by aaron chown wpa pool/getty images)
WPA Pool

Before the banquet, the French President and members of the Royal Family, including Sophie, viewed a Royal Collection art exhibition in the Green Drawing Room at Windsor Castle. During the dinner, The King delivered a speech celebrating the shared history between France and the UK.