Why Kate Middleton & Meghan Markle have never worn Princess Diana’s £400k Spencer Tiara – and probably never will
ROYAL fans will know that we often see Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton paying tribute to Princess Diana by wearing her iconic jewellery.
However, neither of the two stylish royal women have ever worn their late mother-in-law’s Spencer Tiara – which she wore on her wedding day – and there is a poignant reason why.
Before her death, Diana wrote a “letter of wishes”, which explained what she would like to happen to her glittering jewellery collection in the future.
It stated: “I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.
“I leave the exact division of the jewellery to your discretion.”
However, the glittery Spencer Tiara – estimated to be worth around £400,000 – remains in the Spencer family.
Lauren Kiehna of The Court Jeweller previously told Marie Claire: “While she was Princess of Wales, Diana often borrowed the tiara from her father and her brother [Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer], who still owns it now.
“Eventually, it will be passed along with the rest of the family estate to Earl Spencer’s son, Viscount Althorp.”
Although the 9th Earl Spencer could loan it to Princess Kate or Meghan, it would be at his discretion.
Both Meghan and Kate wore royal tiaras for their wedding days.
According to the jewellery professional, the Spencer Tiara – which has been in the Spencer family for nearly a century – was not considered as it’s not a royal tiara.
It was, however, worn by both of Diana’s sisters, Jane and Sarah, at their weddings, and was also worn by Celia McCorquodale, Princess Diana‘s niece, at her 2018 wedding.
Meghan and Kate borrowed headpieces from Queen Elizabeth’s collection for their big days.
The Duchess of Sussex wore the Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau, made in 1932, but had initially wanted a tiara that featured emeralds, according to royal sources.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales opted for the Cartier Halo Tiara for her 2011 wedding.
The Cartier Halo tiara was first commissioned by George VI in 1936, three weeks before he ascended the throne, who gave it to the Queen Mary.
It was then gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday and inherited by Princess Anne, who has worn it several times in its history.
The elaborate headpiece features over 1000 diamonds – 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette.
Meghan has only worn a tiara on her wedding day, but we have seen Kate wear at least four different tiaras, including the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara.
While Kate and Meghan are unlikely to wear the Spencer Tiara, they do honour Princess Diana in a number of ways.
Everyone looked straight for the ring when Lady Diana Spencer and Prince Charles announced their engagement back in February 1981, and her 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds from British jeweller Garrard – thought to be bought for £28,500 – didn’t disappoint.
The rock made another appearance in 2010, when Prince William showed his love for both his mum and new fiancée, Kate, by popping the question with the very same ring during a romantic trip to Kenya that October.
Meanwhile in 2017, Prince Harry popped the question to Meghan Markle and sealed the deal with a breathtaking engagement ring that included two of Princess Diana‘s diamonds.
The Duke of Sussex had designed the breathtaking sparkler himself.
Kate is known as being one of the most fashionable women in Britain, but often takes style inspiration from her late mother-in-law.
Last year, Kate wowed onlookers at Royal Ascot as she arrived in a stunning polka dot dress that was remarkably similar to one worn by Diana.
Who inherited Princess Diana's jewellery?
AFTER her death, Diana's sons Prince William and Prince Harry were left three-quarters of her £21 million estate — with the other quarter going to her 17 godchildren.
In a special “letter of wishes”, Diana explained that she was leaving her jewellery to her sons’ future wives.
The letter reads: “I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.
“I leave the exact division of the jewellery to your discretion.”
Some of Diana’s most iconic gems were on loan from the royal collection, while others were not included in her estate.