Princess Diana’s most famous tiara may be one of the most recognizable pieces of royal jewelery in the world, but despite its close association with the late princess, the glitter will be out of the hands of Kate Middleton and Princess Meghan Markle. The tiara does not belong to the Royal Family and has always been owned by the Spencer family, meaning it is unlikely to pass to a woman.According to royal jewelry experts who spoke to RadarOnline.com, Diana wore the Spencer tiara on her wedding day to then-Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, paired with her iconic silk taffeta dress and 25-foot train, creating one of the defining images of modern royal history.
Why the Spencer tiara will never pass for Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle
A royal source clarified the matter. “There is a common misconception that the Spencer tiara somehow made its way into the royal collection because of Diana’s popularity. The truth is that it has always been owned by the Spencer family, and decisions about its future rest entirely with the family, rather than the monarchy,” the insider said.The source added, “Its significance goes far beyond Diana. The tiara represents generations of Spencer family history, so there was never any serious expectation that it would be passed on to members of the royal family through marriage.”Before Diana wore it, the tiara was a treasured Spencer family heirloom, previously worn by older sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale on their wedding days.
The history and value of Princess Diana’s spencer tiara
The tiara is estimated to be worth more than $500 million. It was created in 1937 for Countess Cynthia Spencer, wife of the 7th Earl Spencer, and was mounted using a collection of decorative diamonds from the 19th century. Sotheby’s described the design as being made in the “garland style”, as a central heart surrounded by continuous scrolls, interspersed with star and trumpet-shaped flowers, set with circular, rose-cut, cushion and pear-shaped diamonds set in gold.After Cynthia Spencer’s death, the tiara passed to her son John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer and Diana’s father. When she died in 1992, it passed to Diana’s younger brother Charles Spencer, the current 9th Earl Spencer, who is widely remembered for his eulogy at his sister’s funeral.“The tiara’s line of succession is very straight indeed. It follows the Spencer family line and is expected to continue there. Despite the public fascination with Diana’s legacy, ownership has never been in doubt. It will never leave the family,” another source said.The succession is expected to eventually pass to Charles Spencer’s son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, or any member of the royal family.
Instead of what Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle wear
Rumors have swirled for years that Meghan hoped to wear the Spencer tiara to Prince Harry’s wedding in May 2018, but those claims were never confirmed. Instead, she wore Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara on the day. Kate, on the other hand, Isabel II. she chose the Queen’s Cartier Halo Tiara for her wedding to Prince William in April 2011.Although the Spencer tiara is out of their hands, both women have connections to other pieces associated with Diana. Kate famously wears Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring and has been seen wearing various items from the princess’ jewelry collection. Meghan often wears Diana’s Cartier Tank Française gold watch, one of the most popular pieces in the princess’ personal collection.
