In the recent Royal Wedding, Meghan Markle (now the Duchess of Sussex) wore a tiara lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II: Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau, first crafted in 1932. Looking back at the groom’s mother, however, reveals that she turned down a loan from Queen Elizabeth in favor of another tiara.
Diana’s Favorite Accessory
While Princess Diana is most known for her connection to the Royal Family via her marriage to Prince Charles, she was born into the Spencer family, a British noble family that can trace its roots all the way back to the 15th century.
First worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day, the Spencer tiara hails not from the Royal Family, but from her father’s family. However, Diana wore the tiara several more times when attending formal events on behalf of the Royal Family.
True To Her Roots
For Diana’s 1981 wedding to Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth originally unearthed the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara for the bride to wear. However, Diana’s own noble heritage prompted her to sport the Spencer tiara, a family heirloom that has existed in its current form since the 1930s.
It has been speculated that Diana’s preference for the Spencer tiara than the Lover’s Knot tiara was a show of family loyalty to the Spencer clan. However, the size and look of the tiara suggests that it was much lighter and easier to wear than the Royal Family’s tiaras perhaps accounting for Diana’s favoritism.
The Spencer Family Jewels
Beyond this, both of Diana’s sisters wore the tiara when they were married. Crafted into its current form of tulips and stars surrounded by spirals of diamonds, the piece was once again sported by one of the Spencer family’s brides: Celia McCorquodale, Diana’s niece.
Daughter of Diana’s oldest sister, Lady McCorquodale recently married British estate agent, George Woodhouse, while sporting the tiara, a long, flowing veil, and a long-sleeve, lace wedding dress. With her blonde hair tied up, the family resemblance between the bride and her aunt is undeniable, as is the beauty of the Spencer tiara.
