Tiara Watch: A State Visit Hits Britain

The first incoming state visit of the year has arrived in Britain, and I. Have. Been. Waiting.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh with the President of Indonesia and his wife

Yes, I have been waiting for Tiara Time, and it is here. The President of Indonesia arrived yesterday for a three day state visit, headlined by a white tie state banquet last night. The Golden Queen wore pearls and diamonds and the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara. (It's actually been an interesting week in the Queen's jewels - you can see all of that plus the full scoop on what she has on at this banquet on the other blog.)

The setup at these banquets held at Buckingham Palace does not allow for many glimpses of the other royals in attendance and that's just the way it is. But for the record, there is always a bevy of them: the Prince of Wales (minus Camilla, who is on holiday ahead of their upcoming tour), the Duke of York, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent were present.

Princess Anne, and a very blurry Earl and Countess of Wessex

We get a brief glimpse of Anne since she took Camilla's seat, wearing her most impressive diamond set, the Festoon Tiara, and a dee-lighted expression (never change, Anne). And the tiniest of glimpses was available of Sophie, who appears to be repeating the gray gown she wore in Luxembourg a few days ago. The tiara's a question mark - it could be the Five Aquamarine Tiara again.

I know a lot of people had their hopes up for a Kate appearance, or perhaps Beatrice or Eugenie in a tiara. So let me just be blunt about it: they don't attend these things, that's just the way it is right now. As we can see from the royal guest list, the Windsors have plenty of full-time royals to pitch in and entertain without calling up the next generation. I'm just as much for more tiaras as everyone else is, but until there's a change in their part-time status, I wouldn't hold my breath. Kate will sit through many a boring function like this in her future, though, so don't worry.

Photos: Getty Images