The Spencer Tiara, famously worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day in 1981, holds a unique place in history as a symbol of her family heritage. Unlike tiaras from the British royal collection, this iconic piece is privately owned by the Spencer family and has not been inherited by Kate Middleton, the current Princess of Wales, or other royal brides.
The Spencer Tiara was crafted in 1937 for Diana’s grandmother, Cynthia Spencer, by Garrard, the official jeweler to the crown.1 Its design incorporates diamonds and elements from older Spencer family heirlooms, some dating back to the 18th century.
After Cynthia’s death, the tiara passed to her son, John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, Diana’s father, and is now in the care of Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer. The tiara is known for its intricate heart-shaped motifs, scrolling floral elements, and trumpet-shaped floral clusters—hallmarks of Victorian and Edwardian jewelry styles.
A Tradition of Spencer Brides
The tiara has adorned multiple Spencer brides, including Diana’s sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale.2 Diana famously chose to wear the Spencer Tiara at her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, opting for her family heirloom instead of selecting a tiara from the royal collection.3
In 2018, Diana’s niece, Celia McCorquodale, wore the tiara at her own wedding, continuing this cherished family tradition.
Why Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Haven’t Worn It
As a private family heirloom, the Spencer Tiara is not part of the British royal collection. As a result, it has not been available to Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle, both of whom wore other famous tiaras from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection on their wedding days. Kate wore the Cartier Halo Tiara, while Meghan opted for Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara. The tiara was never a royal piece, which is why royal brides like the Princess of Wales and Duchess of Sussex didn’t wear it either.
The Tiara’s Future
There has been speculation about whether Princess Charlotte, the daughter of Prince William and Kate Middleton, might one day inherit the Spencer Tiara. However, this is unlikely because the tiara is expected to remain within the Spencer family and be passed down through their lineage. Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, retains ownership, underscoring its importance as a Spencer family artifact rather than a royal possession.4
Sources
- Garrard & Co. “Jewellery of the Royal Family: A Garrard History” Royal Jeweler Archives, 1937. ↩︎
- Brown, Tina. The Diana Chronicles. New York: Doubleday, 2007. ↩︎
- Morton, Andrew. Diana: Her True Story—In Her Own Words. New York: Pocket Books, 1992. ↩︎
- National Archives (UK). “Inheritance Records of the Spencer Family,” 1937-2020. ↩︎
