Princess Charlotte could face ‘major setback’ inheriting Diana’s wedding tiara
harlotte of Wales may only be 10 years old, but there’s been whispers she’ll inherit Princess Diana‘s Spencer tiara which she wore on her wedding day.
Princess Charlotte is set to be given the iconic heirloom in the future, royal experts have predicted.
The exquisite piece of jewellery, crafted in 1767 originally, was remodelled in the 1930s to what it looks like today. Princess Diana wore the tiara on her wedding day to the now King Charles, back in 1981.
Diana and Charles married in 1981 (Credit: Photo by Shutterstock)
Princess Diana wore the Spencer tiara for her wedding day
Princess Diana used the Spencer Tiara to secure her 140-metre tulle veil on her wedding day to King Charles, then the Prince Of Wales.
The Spencer Tiara is designed in a garland style. A heart sits pride of place in the centre and it is flanked by scrolls and flowers shaped like trumpets and stars. Mounted in gold, it is set with dozens of rose-cut, cushion and pear-shaped diamonds.
Aged just 19, she observed age-old tiara etiquette by using one from her own family. Traditionally, brides have done this on their wedding day rather than borrow one from the royal vault.
Meghan Markle, however, was loaned a diamond tiara from Queen Elizabeth II when she married Prince Harry.
Harry and Meghan now have their own daughter, Lillibet, one. However, they have reportedly agreed to let niece Charlotte have the Spencer Tiara as she was Diana’s first-born granddaughter.
The royal broke tradition by wearing a family heirloom (Credit: SplashNews.com)
Will Princess Charlotte be able to wear Diana’s Spencer tiara?
Palace insiders claimed that Princess Charlotte – daughter of Diana’s son William – will be given “the pick of the palace jewels” when she is older – including the Spencer tiara.
Diana’s younger brother, Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, currently has possession of the piece.
But the source claimed: “Prince William is close with his uncle and has asked if his mother’s namesake tiara can be given to Charlotte someday.
“William is quite aware the Earl has daughters of his own, but the two have agreed that Diana’s iconic piece belongs to her first granddaughter.”
Another royal source claims Charlotte is fully aware of the iconic piece.
“Lottie knows all about her Granny Diana – after all, Diana is one of her middle names,” the insider said to Australia’s New Idea magazine.
“She’s also seen pictures of her wearing the tiara.”
However, the idea of Princess Charlotte actually receiving Princess Diana’s wedding tiara is ultimately down to the Spencer family. It’s currently in Charles’ possession, so there is no telling what the future holds for the young royal.
Charlotte is the daughter of Prince William, Princess Diana’s eldest son (Credit: Splashnews.com)
How much is Diana’s tiara worth?
It is one of the most famous tiaras in modern history and is estimated to be worth £400,000.
Max Stone, from Stephen Stone jewellers, said: “Based on the selling price of a similar Spencer family tiara, I’d estimate this piece to be worth around £400,000.
“With its incredible detail and the high-quality diamonds, not to mention its popularity, this is no doubt a very valuable heirloom.”
According to reports, Diana found most tiaras gave her a headache.
As a result, she preferred the Spencer Tiara for its “lightness and comfort”.
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Where did it come from?
The stunning headpiece dates back to 1767, when it was created for Viscountess Montagu.
The tiara then transferred hands in 1919, to Lady Cynthia Hamilton, on her wedding day where she tied the knot to Albert, who was Viscount Althorp.
When it was ‘remodelled’ in the 1930s, it was updated with jewels from the Spencer family. This included the central heart-shaped piece which was a wedding gift to Lady Sarah Isabella Spencer. She was aunt of 7th Earl Spencer, and Diana’s grandmother.
Princess Diana’s father, John, 8th Early Spencer, inherited the tiara in the mid-1970s – and it seems Charlotte could make that list too.
All three of John’s daughters wore the tiara on their wedding days, including Diana’s sisters, Sarah and Jane.
However, after Diana’s death, it was not seen again for several years until 2018. Diana’s niece, Celia McCorquodale – Sarah’s daughter – wore the tiara for her own wedding day.
It may be that Princess Charlotte is not gifted Diana’s tiara outright, but much like other members of the family, wears it on her wedding day instead.
Princess Charlotte may wear Diana’s wedding tiara on her own special day (Credit: Cover Images)
‘History, power and influence’
The Spencer Tiara was on display at The Aristocratic Jewels exhibition in London in 2022.
Marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it was among the largest collection exhibited in the UK for decades.
Kristian Spofforth, head of London jewellery at Sotheby’s, was curator of the exhibition.
He said he got a “chill” when handling it.
Mr Spofforth told Vogue: “There are pieces that you hold, and you do get a slight chill.
“It’s amazing because of its provenance and Diana – there’s a tangible sense of its history, power and influence.”
