The Best Royal Jewels of 2020: #4 (Tiaras in Luxembourg)

There are few things I like better than a tiara surprise, and the royals in Luxembourg pulled one off in 2020! For the fourth spot in our countdown, we’ve got a look at a surprise tiara gala.

The grand ducal family usually brings out the tiaras and orders for the gala held on National Day, which is celebrated in Luxembourg in June. But in 2020, the family decided to change things up, making the new year gala the formal event instead. (This all worked very well this year, of course, as the usual National Day festivities were largely canceled.)

Grand Duchess Maria Teresa did not attend the reception; she was at the bedside of her brother, Luis, who was in the hospital in Switzerland. Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie and Princess Alexandra took over the “first lady” duties for the evening, wearing jewels and tiaras from the grand ducal collection. Stephanie donned the Sapphire Necklace Tiara for the first time as a tiara; she had previously worn it as a necklace. She paired it with diamond and sapphire earrings and an impressive diamond necklace. (She was expecting her son, Prince Charles, at the time; he was born in May.)

Princess Alexandra wore the Chaumet Choker Tiara with its delicate pearl toppers, as well as additional diamond and pearl jewels.

Here’s another look at both princesses in their tiaras during the event.