Imagine a room filled with royalty, glittering jewels, and whispers of history—this was the scene at a recent diplomatic gala dinner in Norway, where British royal tiaras stole the spotlight. But here's where it gets fascinating: amidst the elegance, Princess Astrid, the resilient 94-year-old sister of King Harald V, graced the event, proving that age is truly just a number. Today, as we celebrate her birthday, let’s dive into the dazzling details of the tiaras and jewels that adorned both Princess Astrid and Queen Sonja during this unforgettable evening in Oslo.
On January 29, the Royal Palace in Oslo became the epicenter of diplomatic glamour as King Harald V and Queen Sonja hosted a white-tie gala dinner for members of the diplomatic corps. Joining them were Crown Prince Haakon and the indefatigable Princess Astrid. Queen Sonja, ever the fashion icon, reprised her stunning purple tulle evening gown by Elie Saab, first seen at the French gala banquet in June 2025. And this is the part most people miss: while she previously paired the dress with diamonds, this time she opted for a more sentimental choice—diamond and pearl jewelry from the family collection.
Queen Sonja’s ensemble was a masterclass in royal elegance. She wore the full setting of Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara—a replica, mind you—paired with diamond and pearl earrings, a five-row pearl necklace, a three-row pearl bracelet, and a pearl ring. Here’s where it gets controversial: she secured the sash of the Order of St. Olav with the Drapers’ Company Brooch, a 1896 wedding gift to Queen Maud. Is it just us, or does this heirloom piece spark debates about the symbolism of royal jewelry? What do you think—is it a nod to tradition or a statement of continuity?
With Crown Princess Mette-Marit notably absent due to health issues and recent scandals, Princess Astrid was the only other royal lady in attendance. She chose a beloved evening gown adorned with a starry design, paired with a tiara that’s steeped in history: the diamond and turquoise circlet once owned by Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, mother of Queen Maud. Astrid complemented the tiara with matching diamond and turquoise necklace and earrings—a combination she’s known to favor.
But wait, there’s more: Astrid also wore a devant de corsage, a turquoise and diamond piece pinned as a brooch on her order sash. According to Trond Norén Isaksen’s book on Norway’s royal jewels, this ornament has British roots, originally belonging to Queen Alexandra. However, Isaksen later clarified on Instagram that his book’s claim linking it to Queen Mary was an error. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Could this piece have been inspired by similar designs from the same era? After all, it bears striking similarities to Queen Mary’s Richmond Brooch and her diamond and turquoise wedding gift from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, both dating back to 1893. Could Astrid’s stomacher be a contemporary of these treasures?
As we marvel at these jewels, it’s clear that royal tiaras aren’t just accessories—they’re storytellers, weaving together history, tradition, and personal style. What’s your take on the significance of royal jewelry? Do you see it as a symbol of heritage or a fashion statement? Let’s discuss in the comments!
