Deborah Chan
The tradition of borrowing tiaras for royal weddings is a fascinating aspect of the British monarchy, with many members of the Queen’s family donning these historic and exquisite pieces on their special day. From Queen Elizabeth II herself, who wore the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara for her wedding to Prince Philip, to her daughters, granddaughters, and other close relatives, the practice highlights the sentimental and symbolic value of these heirlooms. Notable examples include the Cartier Halo Tiara worn by Kate Middleton, the Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara chosen by Princess Beatrice, and the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara selected by Princess Eugenie. Each tiara carries its own story, often reflecting the bond between the borrower and the lender, while also showcasing the enduring elegance and heritage of the royal family’s jewelry collection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Royal Family Members | At least 15 members of the British royal family have borrowed wedding tiaras. |
| Most Commonly Borrowed Tiara | The Queen Mary Fringe Tiara (worn by Princess Beatrice and Princess Anne). |
| Notable Borrowers | Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II), Princess Margaret, Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall, etc. |
| Source of Tiaras | Primarily from the Queen's personal collection or the royal family's jewelry archives. |
| Purpose of Borrowing | Traditionally worn by royal brides as a symbol of status and heritage. |
| Recent Borrowers | Princess Eugenie (Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara), Princess Beatrice (Queen Mary Fringe Tiara). |
| Non-Royal Borrowers | None; tiaras are exclusively borrowed by members of the royal family. |
| Historical Significance | Many tiaras have been passed down through generations, carrying historical and sentimental value. |
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What You'll Learn
- Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara: Lent to Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Princess Beatrice for their weddings
- Queen Victoria’s Fringe Tiara: Worn by Princess Mary, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice on their wedding days
- The Cartier Halo Tiara: Borrowed by Kate Middleton, originally purchased for Queen Elizabeth by the Queen Mother
- The Strathmore Rose Tiara: Worn by Princess Margaret and lent to Serena Stanhope for her wedding
- The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara: Princess Eugenie wore this tiara, gifted to the Queen Mother by Margaret Greville
Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara: Lent to Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Princess Beatrice for their weddings
The Queen Mary's Lovers Knot Tiara is one of the most iconic and historically significant tiaras in the British royal collection, and it has been lent to several members of the royal family for their weddings. Originally commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913, the tiara was crafted by Garrard & Co. and features diamonds and pearls set in a design of lovers' knots, inspired by a piece owned by Princess Augusta of Hesse, Queen Mary's grandmother. This tiara holds immense sentimental value and has been a symbol of royal tradition, making it a coveted choice for royal brides.
One of the most famous instances of the Queen Mary's Lovers Knot Tiara being lent for a wedding was to Princess Diana in 1981. Diana's decision to wear this tiara was both a nod to tradition and a practical choice, as it complemented her wedding dress beautifully. However, the tiara's weight reportedly caused her some discomfort during the ceremony. Despite this, its association with Diana has cemented its place in royal history, and it remains one of the most recognizable tiaras in the world. Diana's choice to wear it also set a precedent for future royal brides to borrow family tiaras for their weddings.
Another notable recipient of the Queen Mary's Lovers Knot Tiara was Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, for her wedding to Prince William in 2011. Kate's decision to wear this tiara was seen as a tribute to both Queen Mary and Princess Diana, symbolizing continuity and respect for royal tradition. The tiara's design also harmonized perfectly with Kate's elegant wedding gown, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. This choice further solidified the tiara's status as a cherished heirloom within the royal family.
Most recently, Princess Beatrice borrowed the Queen Mary's Lovers Knot Tiara for her wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020. Beatrice's decision to wear this tiara was particularly meaningful, as it was a direct link to her great-great-grandmother, Queen Mary. The tiara's pearls and diamonds added a timeless elegance to Beatrice's wedding ensemble, which included a vintage dress by Norman Hartnell, also borrowed from the Queen. This choice highlighted the tiara's enduring appeal and its role in uniting generations of the royal family.
The repeated lending of the Queen Mary's Lovers Knot Tiara to Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Princess Beatrice underscores its significance as a family heirloom and its role in royal wedding traditions. Each time it is worn, it reinforces the tiara's place in history and its ability to connect the past with the present. This tiara is a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen Mary and the royal family's commitment to honoring their heritage through such symbolic gestures. Its use by these three royal brides also answers the question of how many of the Queen's family have borrowed wedding tiaras, showcasing the tiara's central role in royal nuptials.
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Queen Victoria’s Fringe Tiara: Worn by Princess Mary, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice on their wedding days
Queen Victoria's Fringe Tiara holds a special place in the royal collection, not only for its historical significance but also for its role in adorning multiple royal brides on their wedding days. This exquisite tiara, originally created for Queen Victoria, has been passed down through generations, becoming a symbol of continuity and tradition within the royal family. Its delicate design, featuring a fringe of diamonds, has made it a timeless choice for royal weddings, with Princess Mary, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice all choosing to wear it on their special days.
Princess Mary, the Princess Royal and only daughter of King George V, was the first to borrow Queen Victoria's Fringe Tiara for her wedding to Henry Lascelles, Earl of Harewood, in 1922. The tiara complemented her elegant wedding gown, adding a touch of regal splendor to the occasion. Its selection by Princess Mary set a precedent for future royal brides, highlighting the tiara's versatility and enduring appeal. This choice also underscored the sentimental value of the tiara, linking Princess Mary's wedding to the legacy of Queen Victoria.
Decades later, Princess Anne, the only daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, followed in her great-aunt's footsteps by wearing Queen Victoria's Fringe Tiara for her wedding to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973. The tiara's design seamlessly blended with Princess Anne's simple yet elegant bridal style, reflecting her personal taste while honoring royal tradition. Its use on this occasion further cemented the tiara's status as a cherished family heirloom, frequently chosen for significant royal events.
Most recently, Princess Beatrice, the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, wore Queen Victoria's Fringe Tiara for her wedding to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020. This choice not only paid homage to the tiara's rich history but also demonstrated its adaptability to modern royal weddings. The tiara's appearance on Princess Beatrice highlighted its enduring relevance, proving that it remains a favored option for royal brides seeking to connect with their heritage.
The repeated use of Queen Victoria's Fringe Tiara by Princess Mary, Princess Anne, and Princess Beatrice illustrates the deep-rooted tradition of borrowing family tiaras for royal weddings. This practice not only showcases the sentimental and historical value of these jewels but also reinforces the bonds of family and continuity within the monarchy. As one of the most frequently borrowed tiaras, Queen Victoria's Fringe Tiara stands as a testament to the enduring elegance and significance of royal wedding traditions.
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The Cartier Halo Tiara: Borrowed by Kate Middleton, originally purchased for Queen Elizabeth by the Queen Mother
The Cartier Halo Tiara holds a special place in the royal jewelry collection, not only for its exquisite design but also for its historical significance. Originally purchased by the Queen Mother for her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1936, this tiara has become a symbol of royal elegance. Crafted by Cartier, it features a distinctive halo design adorned with 739 brilliant-cut diamonds and 149 baguette diamonds, set in platinum. The tiara was a gift to then-Princess Elizabeth on the occasion of her 18th birthday, showcasing the Queen Mother’s thoughtful and luxurious choice. Its timeless beauty and regal aura made it a fitting piece for one of the most significant events in the royal family’s history.
The Cartier Halo Tiara gained widespread attention when Kate Middleton, now the Princess of Wales, borrowed it for her wedding to Prince William in 2011. Kate’s choice of this tiara was both a nod to tradition and a reflection of her personal style. The tiara’s halo design complemented her wedding gown, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, creating a harmonious and regal bridal look. The decision to wear this particular tiara also highlighted the close bond between Kate and the royal family, as it was a cherished piece from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection. This moment solidified the tiara’s place in royal history, making it one of the most recognizable pieces in the monarchy’s jewelry vault.
The borrowing of the Cartier Halo Tiara by Kate Middleton is part of a longstanding royal tradition where family members lend tiaras for significant occasions, particularly weddings. This practice not only ensures that the bride wears a piece of historical significance but also reinforces the unity and continuity of the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II was known for generously lending her tiaras to family members, including her daughter Princess Anne, her daughter-in-law Camilla, and her granddaughters-in-law Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. The Cartier Halo Tiara, however, remains one of the most iconic pieces to have been borrowed for a royal wedding, underscoring its importance in the royal collection.
The Cartier Halo Tiara’s journey from Queen Elizabeth II to Kate Middleton illustrates the enduring legacy of royal jewelry. Its design, craftsmanship, and historical associations make it a prized possession within the royal family. The tiara’s appearance at Kate’s wedding not only added to its storied history but also introduced it to a global audience, cementing its status as a symbol of royal heritage. As with many pieces in the royal collection, the Cartier Halo Tiara continues to be a source of fascination and inspiration, representing the timeless elegance and tradition of the British monarchy.
In the context of how many of the Queen’s family have borrowed wedding tiaras, the Cartier Halo Tiara stands out as a prime example of this royal tradition. While several tiaras have been lent for weddings, the Cartier Halo Tiara’s prominence and the global attention it received when worn by Kate Middleton make it a notable case. Its history, from its purchase by the Queen Mother to its role in Kate’s wedding, highlights the emotional and historical value placed on such pieces within the royal family. This tiara, among others, exemplifies the way royal jewelry is used to mark significant milestones and strengthen familial bonds.
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The Strathmore Rose Tiara: Worn by Princess Margaret and lent to Serena Stanhope for her wedding
The Strathmore Rose Tiara holds a special place in the British royal family's collection, not only for its exquisite design but also for its historical significance. Originally belonging to the Bowes-Lyon family, it was inherited by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, who was born Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. This tiara features a delicate arrangement of roses, a motif that pays homage to the family's Scottish heritage. Its design is both elegant and romantic, making it a perfect choice for bridal wear. Princess Margaret, the Queen Mother's younger daughter and the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, wore the Strathmore Rose Tiara on her wedding day to Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The tiara added a touch of familial tradition and sentimental value to her bridal ensemble, showcasing its importance within the royal family.
Decades later, the Strathmore Rose Tiara made another notable appearance when it was lent to Serena Stanhope for her wedding to Lord Edward Cecil, the son of the Queen's cousin. Serena, now known as the Countess of Yarborough, became one of the few non-royal family members to wear a royal tiara on her wedding day. This gesture highlights the tiara's role as a symbol of connection and continuity within the extended royal circle. The loan of such a significant piece underscores the family's willingness to share their heritage with those closely associated with them, reinforcing bonds of kinship and tradition.
The Strathmore Rose Tiara's journey from Princess Margaret to Serena Stanhope illustrates the practice of borrowing wedding tiaras within the Queen's family and their inner circle. While the Queen herself owns several tiaras, many of which have been loaned to family members for their weddings, the Strathmore Rose Tiara stands out due to its Bowes-Lyon origins and its use by both a royal princess and a family associate. This tradition of lending tiaras not only preserves their historical and emotional value but also ensures that they remain in active use, gracing significant occasions with their timeless beauty.
In the context of how many of the Queen's family have borrowed wedding tiaras, the Strathmore Rose Tiara serves as a prime example of this cherished custom. Its use by Princess Margaret and Serena Stanhope demonstrates the tiara's versatility and enduring appeal. While exact numbers of borrowed tiaras vary, the practice is well-established, with numerous royal brides, including Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, and the Duchess of Cambridge, wearing loaned tiaras on their wedding days. The Strathmore Rose Tiara, with its rich history and sentimental value, remains a standout piece in this tradition, embodying the grace and continuity of the royal family.
Finally, the Strathmore Rose Tiara's story reflects the broader tradition of tiara lending within the royal family, which extends beyond immediate relatives to include close associates. Its journey from Princess Margaret to Serena Stanhope not only highlights its aesthetic and historical significance but also underscores the tiara's role in celebrating love and union within the royal sphere. As one of the many tiaras borrowed for royal and affiliated weddings, it contributes to the narrative of how the Queen's family shares their treasures to mark life's most important moments, ensuring that these pieces remain alive with meaning and purpose.
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The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara: Princess Eugenie wore this tiara, gifted to the Queen Mother by Margaret Greville
The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara holds a special place in the royal collection, not only for its stunning design but also for its fascinating history. This exquisite piece was chosen by Princess Eugenie for her wedding to Jack Brooksbank in 2018, marking a significant moment in the tiara's legacy. The tiara's origins can be traced back to a generous gift to the Queen Mother, adding a layer of royal heritage to Eugenie's bridal ensemble.
Crafted in the kokoshnik style, which is inspired by traditional Russian headdresses, this tiara features a unique and eye-catching design. It is adorned with brilliant and rose-cut diamonds pavé-set in platinum, creating a sparkling backdrop for the six emeralds that take center stage. The largest emerald is an impressive 93.70 carats, flanked by two smaller stones on each side, adding a vibrant pop of color to the piece. The tiara's design is a testament to the craftsmanship of the Art Deco era, a period known for its geometric and elegant jewelry styles.
The story of how this tiara came into the royal collection is as intriguing as its design. It was bequeathed to the Queen Mother by Dame Margaret Greville, a renowned society hostess and philanthropist, upon her death in 1942. Margaret Greville was a close friend of the Queen Mother, and her generosity extended beyond this tiara, as she also left her country house, Polesden Lacey, to the National Trust. The Queen Mother often wore this tiara, and it became one of her favorite pieces, showcasing her love for bold and colorful jewelry.
Princess Eugenie's decision to wear this tiara on her wedding day was a heartfelt tribute to her grandmother, the Queen. It also highlighted the tradition of royal brides borrowing tiaras from the Queen's extensive collection. This practice not only adds a touch of royal heritage to the wedding but also ensures that these historic pieces continue to be admired and appreciated. The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, with its rich history and stunning aesthetics, was a perfect choice for Eugenie's special day, blending personal significance with royal tradition.
The tiara's appearance at Princess Eugenie's wedding sparked a renewed interest in its history and design. It is a remarkable example of how royal jewelry can transcend generations, each wearer adding a new chapter to its story. This particular tiara's journey from Margaret Greville to the Queen Mother and then to Princess Eugenie illustrates the enduring appeal and significance of these royal heirlooms. As the tiara continues to be passed down and borrowed within the royal family, it will undoubtedly remain a cherished and iconic piece in the royal collection.
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Frequently asked questions
Several members of the royal family have borrowed tiaras for their weddings, including Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II), Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, Princess Diana, Sarah Ferguson, Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Beatrice.
Queen Elizabeth II wore the Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.
Two of the Queen’s children borrowed tiaras for their weddings: Princess Anne wore the Queen Mary’s Festoon Tiara, and Princess Margaret wore the Poltimore Tiara.
Princess Diana wore the Spencer Family Tiara for her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.
Three of the Queen’s granddaughters borrowed tiaras for their weddings: Kate Middleton wore the Cartier Halo Tiara, Princess Eugenie wore the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, and Princess Beatrice wore the Queen Mary’s Diamond Fringe Tiara.
