Imagine a room filled with glittering jewels, royal elegance, and diplomatic grace—a scene straight out of a fairy tale. But this wasn’t fiction; it was a real-life gala dinner in Norway, where British royal tiaras stole the spotlight. And this is the part most people miss: the stories behind these dazzling pieces are as fascinating as the jewels themselves. Today, as Princess Astrid, the resilient sister of Norway’s King Harald V, celebrates her 94th birthday, we’re diving into the stunning tiaras she and Queen Sonja wore during a recent diplomatic gala in Oslo. But here’s where it gets controversial—some of these jewels have ties to British royalty, sparking questions about their origins and ownership. Let’s explore.
On January 29, King Harald V and Queen Sonja hosted a white-tie gala dinner at the Royal Palace in Oslo for members of the diplomatic corps. Joining them were Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Astrid, who, despite her age, remains a steadfast supporter of her brother at royal events. Queen Sonja, known for her impeccable style, wore a breathtaking purple tulle evening gown by Elie Saab, adorned with sequins. Royal fashion enthusiasts might recall she first wore this dress during a French gala banquet in June 2025. But this time, she paired it with a different set of jewels—diamond and pearl pieces from the family collection.
The centerpiece of her ensemble was the replica of Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara, a piece steeped in history. She complemented it with diamond and pearl earrings, a five-row pearl necklace, a three-row pearl bracelet, and a pearl ring. What caught everyone’s eye, however, was the Drapers’ Company Brooch, a 1896 heirloom gifted to Queen Maud on her wedding day, which she used to secure the sash of the Order of St. Olav. This brooch alone could spark a debate—how do royal families decide which heirlooms to wear and when? Is it purely tradition, or is there more to it?
With Crown Princess Mette-Marit absent due to health issues and recent scandals, Princess Astrid was the only other royal lady present. She opted for a favorite evening gown with a starry design, paired with a diamond and turquoise tiara once owned by Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, the mother of Queen Maud. Astrid also wore matching diamond and turquoise necklace and earrings, a combination she often chooses for formal events. But here’s the intriguing part: she added 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 piece has British roots, originally belonging to Queen Alexandra. However, Isaksen later clarified on Instagram that his book mistakenly linked it to Queen Mary—a reminder that even historians can get it wrong. Still, the brooch’s design echoes two antique pieces worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Mary’s Richmond Brooch and a diamond and turquoise brooch gifted to Queen Mary by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1893. Could Astrid’s piece be from the same era? It’s a question that invites speculation and discussion.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Why do these British-connected jewels keep appearing in Norwegian royal collections? Is it a nod to shared history, or something more complex? As we admire the dazzle of these tiaras and brooches, it’s worth pondering the stories they carry—and the conversations they spark. What do you think? Are these jewels simply beautiful accessories, or do they hold deeper significance? Let’s discuss in the comments!
