Kate Wears Diana's Crown

Marking just the third time the Duchess of Cambridge has worn a tiara, Kate chose her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana's crown to wear to the largest annual reception at Buckingham Palace.

Arriving at the Queen's annual Diplomatic Reception, Kate was snapped wearing the glittering diamond and pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara, once owned by Diana.

It is also speculated that she paired it with a recycled Alexander McQueen dress from last year's event.

Diana wears the crown at the British Embassy in Washington in 1985. Photo / Getty Images

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge attends the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. Photo / Getty Images

The history of the crown

The tiara was originally made for Queen Mary in 1914. It was her own design and from pearls and diamonds already in her family's possession.

It was a copy of one owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, who married the first Duke of Cambridge, seventh son of King George III, in 1818.

In her will, Queen Mary left the tiara to to the Queen, who wore it frequently.

- nzherald.co.nz