The Spencer tiara was once associated with Princess Diana at her historic wedding in 1981. Despite its significant symbolic value, this piece of jewelry has never been worn by Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle due to a specific rule within the Spencer family.
Because they are not members of the British Royal Family, neither bride is allowed to wear it.
At her wedding to Prince William in 2011, Kate Middleton chose the Cartier Halo Scroll tiara from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection. Seven years later, Meghan Markle also wore the Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau when she married Prince Harry.
Many have questioned why neither of them wore the Spencer tiara, a piece of jewelry associated with Princess Diana.
The reason lies in the fact that the Spencer Tiara is not part of the British Royal Treasure but is the private property of the Spencer family. Therefore, this tiara is not on the list of treasures chosen for members marrying into the Royal Family.
The iconic tiara that accompanied Princess Diana since her wedding of the century
On July 29, 1981, Princess Diana appeared at St. Paul’s Cathedral in her wedding dress by David and Elizabeth Emanuel, with the Spencer tiara over a long veil.
It was also the first time she wore a tiara in the royal ceremony for a bride or married woman.
Instead of borrowing jewelry from Queen Elizabeth II, Diana chose a tiara loaned to her by her father, the 8th Earl Spencer. After the wedding, she continued to wear this piece of jewelry at many state banquets and foreign trips.
The wedding of King Charles and Princess Diana attracted approximately 750 million viewers worldwide, becoming one of the most-watched royal events in history.
A 250-Year-Old Treasure of the Spencer Family
The Spencer tiara dates back to 1767 and was refined and perfected in 1937 by Garrard, the long-standing jeweler of the British Royal Family.
Its striking design features a heart-shaped motif at the center, graceful curves, lily motifs, and numerous natural diamonds set on a gold background.
Through generations, the tiara has become a treasure of the Spencer family and has been worn by female members on their wedding day.
Lady Jane Spencer wore the tiara in 1978, Lady Sarah Spencer in 1980, and Princess Diana continued the tradition in 1981. Victoria Lockwood also wore the tiara when she married Charles Spencer in 1989. The most recent appearance of the Spencer Tiara at a wedding was in 2018, when Celia McCorquodale, daughter of Lady Sarah Spencer, wore the family heirloom.
The tiara awaits its next owner.
Currently, the Spencer tiara is still managed by Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s younger brother and head of the Spencer family. Although his twin daughters, Eliza and Amelia Spencer, are married, neither chose the tiara for their wedding day.
This has led many royal enthusiasts to continue discussing the next owner of the Spencer Tiara. Some speculate about Princess Charlotte or Princess Lilibet. However, according to family tradition, the tiara will most likely continue to be passed down along with the title of Earl Spencer in subsequent generations.
