One of Princess Diana’s Most Iconic Accessories May Be Passed Down to One of Her Granddaughters
Speculation is once again swirling about who will inherit one of Princess Diana’s most coveted possessions. The beloved “People’s Princess” always shined when she wore the iconic Spencer Tiara which was reportedly made in 1937 for the late princess’ grandma, Cynthia Spencer. Cynthia married the 7th Earl Spencer, and the stunning accessory has been passed down the family line for nearly a century. Princess Diana borrowed it on numerous occasions, including when she married King Charles III in 1981.
The tiara now belongs to Princess Diana’s brother Charles, the current Earl Spencer, and it has been collecting dust (So to speak! We’re sure that thing is kept polished!) ever since his niece Celia McCorquodale wore it for her wedding in 2018.
Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle notably did not wear their late mother-in-law’s tiara to their weddings — and for an understandable reason. The Court Jeweller‘s Lauren Kiehna previously told Marie Claire that the tiara was never an official royal tiara. (After all, it was owned by the Spencer family.) “Which is why royal brides like the Princess of Wales and the Duchess of Sussex didn’t wear it for their weddings,” Kiehna said.
So who will wear — and, perhaps more importantly, own — the tiara next? Over the years, outlets have reported that Princess Charlotte will inherit the heirloom.
“William is close with his uncle and has asked if his mother’s namesake tiara can be given to Charlotte someday,” a source told New Idea in 2021. “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 insider told the publication that Princess Charlotte — who was 6 at the time — was “giddy with excitement” about inheriting the “treasure.”
Alternatively, given the logic behind Middleton and Markle not wearing the tiara to their weddings, we wonder if there’s reason to think Princess Lilibet — Markle and Prince Harry’s 3-year-old daughter — will inherit the tiara. Will the non-senior royal receive the non-royal accessory?
Kiehna vehemently disagrees, writing for The Court Jeweller that the tiara will stay in the Spencer family. “Neither of Diana’s granddaughters will inherit the Spencer Tiara, despite the wishful thinking of some of those who remain so singularly devoted to Diana’s memory.”
We guess only time will truly tell, but given that Princess Charlotte is Princess Diana’s eldest granddaughter, and given that the young royal is basically her grandma’s twin, we’d love to see her wear the jaw-dropping piece.
Before you go, check out these precious photos that show Princess Diana’s best mom moments.