Princess Diana’s most famous tiara may be one of the most iconic pieces of royal jewelery in the world, but despite its close association with the late princess, the sparkling heirloom is set to remain beyond the reach of both Princess Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle.
The crown is not owned by the royal family and has always belonged to the Spencer family, meaning it is unlikely to pass to either woman.According to royal jewelry experts who spoke to RadarOnline.com, Diana wore the famous Spencer Tiara on her wedding day to then-Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, along with her famous silk taffeta gown and 25-foot train, creating one of the most iconic images of recent royal history.
Why will the Spencer crown never pass to Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle?
A royal source was clear on this matter. “There is a common misconception that the Spencer Crown has somehow been absorbed into the royal collection due to Diana’s fame. In fact, it has always remained the property of the Spencer family, and decisions about its future rest entirely with the family and not the monarchy.”The source added: “Its significance goes far beyond Diana. The tiara represents generations of Spencer family history, which is why there was never any serious expectation that it would be handed down to members of the royal family through marriage.”
Before Diana wore it, the tiara was already a treasured heirloom of the Spencer family, and had previously been worn by her older sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale on their wedding days.
History and value of Princess Diana’s Spencer tiara
The value of the crown is estimated at more than $500 million. It was created in 1937 for Cynthia Spencer, Countess Spencer, wife of the 7th Earl Spencer, and was assembled using a collection of 19th-century diamond jewellery.
Sotheby’s described the design as being designed “in wreath style as a central heart surrounded by continuous scrolls, interspersed with star- and trumpet-shaped flowers,” set entirely with round, rose-cut, cushion- and pear-cut diamonds mounted in gold.After Cynthia Spencer’s death, the crown passed to her son John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer and Diana’s father. When he died in 1992, ownership 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.Another source said: “The line of succession to the Crown is actually very clear. It follows the Spencer family line and is expected to remain there. Regardless of the public’s fascination with Diana’s legacy, its ownership has never been in doubt. He will never leave the family.”It is expected that the inheritance will eventually pass to Charles Spencer’s son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, and not to any member of the royal family.
What Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are wearing instead
Rumors have circulated for years that Meghan was hoping to wear the Spencer tiara at her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, but the claims have never been confirmed. Instead, she wore Queen Mary’s diamond tiara that day. Meanwhile, Kate chose Queen Elizabeth II’s Halo Tiara for her wedding to Prince William in April 2011.Although the Spencer tiara is still out of their reach, both women have links to other pieces associated with Diana. Kate famously wore Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring and was seen wearing several pieces from the late princess’s jewelry collection. Meghan often wears Diana’s gold Cartier Tank Francaise watch, one of the most iconic pieces from the Princess’s personal collection.
