British Royal Tiaras Dazzle at Norway's Diplomatic Gala Dinner
On Princess Astrid's 94th birthday, her enduring support for her brother, the King of Norway, is a testament to her resilience. The recent gala dinner in Oslo showcased the elegance of both Princess Astrid and Queen Sonja, with their tiaras taking center stage.
The Royal Palace in Oslo hosted a grand gala dinner for the diplomatic corps on January 29th, attended by King Harald V, Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, and Princess Astrid. Queen Sonja's choice of attire was a stunning purple tulle evening gown, designed by Elie Saab, which she had previously worn for a French gala banquet in 2025. For this occasion, she opted for a more understated yet exquisite look, pairing the gown with a family heirloom: the replica of Queen Maud's Pearl Tiara. This included a full set of diamond and pearl jewelry, such as earrings, a five-row pearl necklace, a three-row pearl bracelet, and a pearl ring. The highlight of her ensemble was the Drapers' Company Brooch, a special heirloom piece that was one of Queen Maud's wedding presents in 1896.
In contrast, Princess Astrid's attire was a favorite evening gown with a starry design, paired with a diamond and turquoise tiara that once belonged to Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, the mother of Queen Maud of Norway. She completed her look with the matching diamond and turquoise necklace and earrings. However, what caught everyone's attention was a devant de corsage, a piece of jewelry that Astrid pinned as a brooch on her order sash. This stomacher has a British connection, as it was originally part of Queen Alexandra's collection and, as late as 1946, belonged to Queen Mary. Interestingly, it bears design similarities to two antique royal brooches worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II, including the Richmond Brooch and a diamond and turquoise brooch, both dating back to 1893.
The gala dinner showcased the enduring elegance and tradition of the Norwegian royal family, with Princess Astrid and Queen Sonja's tiaras taking center stage. The event also highlighted the importance of family heirlooms and the continued support of Princess Astrid for her brother, the King.
