Few jewellery collections capture the imagination quite like that of the British royal family. Passed down through generations, commissioned by monarchs and worn for some of the most memorable occasions in royal history, its tiaras are among the world’s most extraordinary examples of fine jewellery. From the wedding-day jewels of Diana, Princess of Wales, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, to the spectacular diamond creations favoured by Queen Elizabeth II, these pieces are steeped in history, heritage and exceptional craftsmanship. Here, we look at five of the most iconic tiaras worn by British royals.
The Cartier Halo Tiara – Catherine, Princess of Wales
Worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day in April 2011, the Cartier Halo Tiara became one of the defining details of her bridal look. Commissioned by King George VI in 1936 for his wife, the future Queen Mother, the diamond headpiece features 739 brilliant-cut and 149 baguette diamonds. It was subsequently given to Queen Elizabeth II, who later lent it to Catherine for her marriage to Prince William at Westminster Abbey.
The Spencer Tiara – Diana, Princess of Wales
Few royal wedding jewels are as recognisable as the Spencer Tiara, which Diana wore to marry Prince Charles at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1981. A family heirloom belonging to the Spencer family, the diamond piece features delicate floral motifs, heart-shaped scrolls and intricate garland details. Its romantic design became synonymous with Diana’s wedding day and remains one of the most celebrated bridal tiaras in modern royal history.
The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara – Queen Elizabeth II
With a history spanning imperial Russia and the British monarchy, the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara is among the most distinctive pieces in the royal jewellery collection. Created in 1874 for Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, it was acquired by Queen Mary in 1921 before passing to Queen Elizabeth II. Its signature diamond circles can be worn with dangling pearl drops, emerald drops or without additional gemstones, offering three different interpretations of the historic design.
Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara – Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
Before becoming Queen Consort, Elizabeth, then the Duchess of York, was photographed wearing Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara. Created by Garrard in 1919 using diamonds from an existing necklace, the striking design features graduated diamond spikes inspired by traditional Russian fringe tiaras. The piece subsequently became particularly famous when her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, wore it for her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.
The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara – Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie chose one of the British royal family’s most spectacular emerald creations for her wedding to Jack Brooksbank in October 2018. Made by Boucheron in 1919, the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara centres on an extraordinary 93.7-carat cabochon emerald, framed by brilliant diamonds. Originally commissioned by society hostess Margaret Greville, the piece was bequeathed to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, before becoming part of the royal collection. Eugenie’s choice brought renewed attention to its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive design.
