Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh borrows Kate's tiara for a lavish State Banquet

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, wore the Lotus Flower Tiara to a state dinner at Buckingham Palace overnight.

Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, has borrowed one of the Princess of Wales's most prized royal jewels in a sign she's stepping up.

During a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night, the Duchess of Edinburgh sparkled in the Lotus Flower Tiara.

The diplomatic dinner was held in honour of Emperor Naruhito Empress Masako of Japan's State visit to the UK.

READ MORE:TV star's powerful message after 'really low moment'

It's the first time Sophie has worn the tiara, which has a rich, over-a-century-old history within the royal family.

Most recently, the Princess of Wales wore the tiara at the Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace in December 2022.

READ MORE:Mindy Kaling reveals secret pregnancy, birth of third child

Initially, the Lotus Flower Tiara was a necklace gifted to the late Queen's mother by her husband on her wedding day in 1923.

For a daily dose of 9honey,subscribe to our newsletter here.

Garrard, who made the original necklace, used the gemstones to create the tiara, which became one of the Queen's favourite pieces in the early years of her marriage.

For this year's State Banquet, The Duchess wore a green silk Suzannah London gown, which retails for $9,490.

Sophie completed her state dinner ensemble with Queen Elizabeth's Pear-Shaped Diamond Drop Suite, which includes an eye-catching pair of earrings and a necklace.

State visits are an important part of the British royal family's duty, strengthening their countries' international relations.

According to their official website, state visits are when foreign monarchs, presidents or prime ministers are invited to visit the King on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Likewise, invitations are issued to His Majesty to travel overseas via the FCDO.

"The King and other Members of the Royal Family greet visitors with a ceremonial welcome, which usually takes place on Horse Guards Parade."

State Banquets are a "very grand formal occasion," held in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom.

"Around 150 guests are usually invited on the basis of their cultural, diplomatic or economic links to the country being hosted."

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.