The diamond-adorned tiara, famously worn by Diana alongside her silk taffeta gown and 25-foot train, is an enduring image of modern royal history. Despite its association with Diana, the tiara belongs to the Spencer family, not the Royal Family, making it improbable that Princess Kate, 44, or Meghan, also 44, will ever own it, according to experts in royal jewelry.
Prior to Diana’s iconic use of the tiara, it was already a cherished heirloom within the Spencer family.
Diana’s elder sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, had worn the tiara on their wedding days.
A royal insider clarified, “Many mistakenly believe the Spencer tiara became part of the royal collection due to Diana’s fame. In truth, it has always been a Spencer family possession, with its future determined by the family, not the monarchy.”
The source further explained, “This tiara holds significance beyond Diana, symbolizing generations of Spencer family history, which is why there was never any real expectation of it being passed to the Royal Family through marriage.”
Speculation has long suggested that Markle wished to wear the Spencer tiara at her wedding to Prince Harry, 41, in May 2018, although these claims lack confirmation.
Instead, Markle wore Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara, while Kate opted for Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier Halo Tiara during her wedding to Prince William, 43, in April 2011.
The Spencer tiara is valued at over $500 million. It was crafted for Cynthia Spencer, Countess Spencer, wife of the 7th Earl Spencer, in 1937.
Jewelry historians note that the tiara was assembled from a collection of 19th-century diamond ornaments.
Sotheby’s describes the tiara’s design as featuring a central heart flanked by continuous scrolls, interspersed with star- and trumpet-shaped flowers.
The piece is detailed as being set with circular- and rose-cut, cushion- and pear-shaped diamonds, mounted in gold.
After Cynthia Spencer passed away, the tiara was inherited by her son, John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer, and Diana’s father.
Upon his death in 1992, the tiara was passed to Diana’s younger brother, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, renowned for his eulogy at Diana’s funeral.
Another source stated, “The tiara’s succession line is straightforward, following the Spencer family line and expected to remain there. Despite the public’s fascination with Diana’s legacy, the tiara’s ownership has never been questioned. It will remain within the family.”
This arrangement suggests that the tiara will eventually be inherited by Charles Spencer’s son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, not any royal family member.
Even though the Spencer tiara is out of reach, both Kate and Markle have acquired or accessed other pieces linked to Diana.
Kate is well-known for wearing Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring and has been seen with other items from Diana’s jewelry collection.
Markle regularly wears Diana’s gold Cartier Tank Française watch, a highly recognizable piece from Diana’s personal collection, maintaining a connection to her husband Harry’s mother.
