Meghan Markle's wedding tiara holds a unique tale.
While its original version remains tucked away for a special occasion within the royal family, Meghan chose a replica for her nuptials with Prince Harry nearly five years ago at St. George's Chapel, Windsor. Royal tradition dictated that Meghan would borrow a tiara from the late Queen's collection. Opting for Queen Mary's Bando Tiara, Meghan unwittingly selected a piece steeped in history.
Queen Mary, upon her marriage to King George V in 1893, received a diamond brooch from the county of Lincoln. Transforming this brooch into a stunning tiara in 1932, she crafted the Bando Tiara, featuring the brooch at its center. This Tiara, described by the Royal Collection Trust as a flexible band of 11 sections paved with large and small brilliant diamonds in a geometric design, remained detachable, allowing the brooch to be worn independently. Despite its occasional appearances on Queen Mary, it failed to captivate future royal family members until 2018.
In a departure from tradition, Queen Elizabeth II lent the Tiara to Meghan for her wedding day, adding a touch of historical elegance to the occasion. Megan, in awe of the Art Deco style of the Tiara, described the experience as surreal. However, insiders revealed that the Tiara worn by Meghan was a replica. Concerns over the security of the original led to this decision, with the late Queen fearing theft.
Reports surfaced that Meghan initially desired an emerald tiara, but logistical constraints led to her donning the Queen Mary Diamond Bando instead. Allegedly, this caused tension between Prince Harry and the palace, with Harry expressing frustration over Meghan's desire and the subsequent intervention of the Queen.
Additionally, rumors circulated regarding Meghan's alleged ban from wearing the crown jewels due to concerns over her past behavior, including an incident where she was reportedly caught attempting to smuggle diamonds. This ban supposedly extended to borrowing jewelry from the Royal Collection, although Meghan is permitted to wear Diana's personal jewelry, as it was left to her sons in a will.
