Why Kate & Meghan Haven’t Worn Diana’s Spencer Tiara – Here’s the Reason
Royal enthusiasts are no strangers to seeing Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton donning Princess Diana’s iconic jewelry as a way to honor her memory. However, there is one notable piece from Diana’s collection that neither of the stylish royal women has worn – the Spencer Tiara. This tiara holds sentimental value as Diana wore it on her wedding day to Prince Charles, making it an iconic piece in her jewelry collection. But why have Kate and Meghan not chosen to wear this particular tiara? The answer lies in a heartfelt decision made by Princess Diana herself.
Before her tragic passing, Diana penned a “letter of wishes” outlining her desire for her jewelry collection to be allocated to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, and their future wives. In the letter, she specified, “I would like you to allocate all my jewelry to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.” This heartfelt gesture from Diana ensured that her cherished pieces would remain within her family for generations to come, carrying on her legacy of elegance and grace.
The Spencer Tiara, estimated to be worth around £400,000, is part of the Spencer family’s private collection and has been in their possession for nearly a century. Although Diana often borrowed the tiara from her father and brother during her time as Princess of Wales, it ultimately belongs to her brother, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer. As per Diana’s wishes, the tiara is set to be passed down with the rest of the family estate to Earl Spencer’s son, Viscount Althorp, ensuring that it remains a treasured heirloom within the Spencer family.
While the 9th Earl Spencer has the authority to lend the Spencer Tiara to Princess Kate or Meghan, it is ultimately at his discretion. Both Meghan and Kate opted for royal tiaras from Queen Elizabeth’s collection for their wedding days, showcasing their respect for tradition and heritage. The Spencer Tiara, although steeped in history and sentiment, is not considered a royal tiara, which may be why it has not been chosen for royal occasions by the Duchess of Sussex or the Duchess of Cambridge.
Royal Wedding Tiaras: A Closer Look
For her wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle wore Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau, a stunning piece created in 1932. However, royal sources revealed that Meghan had initially expressed a preference for a tiara featuring emeralds. On the other hand, Kate Middleton selected the Cartier Halo Tiara for her wedding to Prince William in 2011. This exquisite tiara was first commissioned by George VI in 1936 and gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday. Princess Anne has also worn the Cartier Halo Tiara on several occasions, adding to its rich history within the royal family.
The Cartier Halo Tiara boasts over 1000 diamonds, including 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette diamonds, making it a dazzling piece fit for a royal bride. While Meghan has only worn a tiara on her wedding day, Kate has had the opportunity to showcase at least four different tiaras, including the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara, a favorite among royal enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike.
Despite not wearing the Spencer Tiara, both Meghan and Kate have found other ways to honor Princess Diana’s memory. From fashion choices inspired by the late Princess to incorporating elements of her iconic style into their own wardrobes, the Duchess of Sussex and the Duchess of Cambridge pay tribute to Diana in subtle yet meaningful ways.
The Legacy of Princess Diana’s Jewelry
Princess Diana’s jewelry continues to hold a special place in the hearts of royal fans worldwide. From her engagement ring, featuring a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, to the breathtaking pieces passed down to her sons and their future wives, Diana’s jewelry collection is a testament to her enduring elegance and sophistication.
After her untimely passing, Diana’s sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, inherited three-quarters of her £21 million estate, with the remaining quarter going to her 17 godchildren. In her “letter of wishes,” Diana specified that her jewelry was to be allocated to her sons’ future wives, allowing them to cherish and wear these precious pieces in the years to come. This thoughtful gesture ensured that Diana’s legacy would live on through her family and the jewelry that held so much meaning to her.
Whether it’s the iconic engagement ring that Prince William used to propose to Kate Middleton or the stunning diamonds incorporated into Meghan Markle’s engagement ring from Prince Harry, Princess Diana’s presence is felt in every piece of jewelry that graces the royal family’s collections. Her timeless style and grace continue to inspire future generations, making her a beloved figure in the hearts of royal enthusiasts around the world.
In conclusion, while Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have not worn Diana’s Spencer Tiara, their choices of royal tiaras and their dedication to honoring Princess Diana’s memory in other ways showcase their admiration and respect for the late Princess. As they continue to navigate their roles within the royal family, it is clear that Diana’s legacy lives on through them, ensuring that her elegance and grace endure for generations to come.