The British royals know how to make a statement with their tiaras, and a recent diplomatic gala dinner in Norway was no exception! But this event had a unique twist: a celebration of Princess Astrid's remarkable longevity and dedication to her royal duties.
A Royal Birthday Celebration:
Princess Astrid, the sister of King Harald V of Norway, turned 94 years young on the day of the gala. Despite her age, Astrid remains a steadfast presence at royal events, supporting her brother and the Norwegian monarchy. What a testament to her resilience and commitment!
A Tiara-Studded Affair:
The gala dinner, held on January 29th at the Royal Palace in Oslo, was a white-tie affair attended by the diplomatic corps. Among the attendees were Queen Sonja, Crown Prince Haakon, and the birthday girl herself, Princess Astrid.
Queen Sonja, ever the fashion icon, chose a stunning Elie Saab creation for the evening. She dazzled in a purple tulle gown adorned with sequins, a piece she had previously worn for the French gala banquet in June 2025. But here's where it gets interesting: Sonja switched up her jewelry game.
A Royal Jewelry Switch-Up:
For this occasion, Sonja opted for a different set of jewels from the family collection. She donned the replica of Queen Maud's Pearl Tiara, a magnificent piece paired with diamond and pearl earrings, a five-row pearl necklace, a three-row pearl bracelet, and a matching pearl ring. And for a touch of history, she secured her sash with the Drapers' Company Brooch, a precious heirloom that was once a wedding gift to Queen Maud in 1896.
A Royal Absence and a Tiara Legacy:
Crown Princess Mette-Marit was notably absent, having stepped back due to health issues and scandals. This left Princess Astrid as the sole royal lady in attendance, and she did not disappoint. Astrid wore a beloved evening gown with a starry motif, but the real showstopper was her tiara—a diamond and turquoise masterpiece that once belonged to Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, grandmother of Queen Maud.
And this is the part most people miss: Astrid didn't stop there. She also wore a devant de corsage, a stunning turquoise and diamond brooch, which she pinned to her sash. Trond Norén Isaksen, in his book on Norway's royal jewels, reveals that this brooch has British origins, linking it to Queen Alexandra and, initially, to Queen Mary. However, Isaksen later corrected this statement on Instagram, clarifying that the brooch's connection to Queen Mary was an error.
A Royal Jewelry Mystery:
The brooch bears a striking resemblance to two antique brooches once owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II. One is Queen Mary's Richmond Brooch, set with diamonds and pearls, and the other is a diamond and turquoise brooch given to Queen Mary as a wedding gift by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Both date back to 1893, suggesting that Astrid's brooch may also hail from this era.
What do you think? Could Astrid's brooch be linked to these historic pieces? Do you have any thoughts on the royal jewelry choices and their significance? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let's discuss this fascinating intersection of history, fashion, and royalty!
