- Diana's wedding tiara was a family heirloom
- The tiara's history dates back to the 18th century
- It remains a cherished piece in Diana's family
On July 29, 1981, Princess Diana captured the world's attention with her stunning wedding ensemble, highlighted by a magnificent tiara. This headpiece, known as the Spencer Tiara, was a family heirloom that held her 40-foot veil in place. Diana's choice to wear her family's tiara, instead of one from the royal collection, added a personal touch to her iconic look. "When Diana wore her family heirloom for her wedding day, it became one of the most famous tiaras in modern history," said Claire Scott, design director at Garrard.
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The Tiara's Rich History
The Spencer Tiara's history is as intricate as its design. The end pieces were crafted for Viscountess Montagu Frances Manby before 1767 and later became part of Diana's family. It was presented as a wedding gift to Diana's grandmother, Lady Cynthia Hamilton. The tiara was eventually passed to Diana's father, John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, in the 1970s. Though Diana frequently wore the tiara, it was always a loan from her father, serving as her "something borrowed."
A Legacy of Elegance
Diana wasn't the first in her family to wear the Spencer Tiara. Her older sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, both donned the piece for their weddings in 1978 and 1980, respectively. The tiara itself is a composite of various jewelry pieces, with a significant remodel done in 1937 by Garrard. "The remodeling of the Spencer Tiara in our workshop in 1937 resulted in a lovely, cohesive design that is so typical of the period," noted Scott.
The Tiara Today
Although Diana wore the tiara multiple times after her wedding, it has only been worn publicly once since her death. In 2018, Diana's niece, Celia McCorquodale, wore it for her wedding, marking the first public appearance of the tiara since Diana's passing. The tiara remains in the possession of Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, who inherited it after their father's death in 1992. It continues to be a cherished piece, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Princess Diana.
