The British royal family is renowned for its lavish collection of jewelry, which includes priceless heirlooms and dazzling tiaras passed down through generations.
At the heart of this illustrious collection is the legacy of Princess Diana, whose distinctive and iconic style established her as a global fashion icon. When Diana married Prince Charles in 1981, she was catapulted into the public eye and granted access to the Royal Family's breathtaking array of jewels.
Throughout her marriage and after her divorce, Diana was frequently photographed wearing some of the family's most renowned pieces, including the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara and the sapphire and diamond suite. These jewels, now valued at an astounding £16.5 million, were intended to be handed down through the generations. However, following Diana's tragic death in 1997, the distribution of her jewelry has sparked tension and controversy within the royal family.
One notable instance of this discord involves Diana's daughter-in-law, Meghan Markle, who reportedly felt dismayed at not receiving any of these treasured heirlooms upon her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. The reason behind this perceived slight lies in the line of succession. As the wife of Prince William, who is second in line to the throne, Kate Middleton has been the primary recipient of Diana's most famous jewels. This includes the iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, the Lover's Knot Tiara, and the sapphire and diamond suite that Diana adored.
In contrast, Meghan, being married to Prince Harry—who is sixth in line—was not entitled to the same level of access to the royal jewelry collection. Although Meghan has been seen wearing some of Diana's pieces, such as the famed aquamarine ring, these items are on loan rather than part of her personal collection. This perceived oversight has only intensified the ongoing tensions and drama surrounding the royal family since Meghan and Harry's high-profile decision to step back as senior members in 2020. Their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, in which they accused the palace of racism and inadequate support, has further strained their relationship with the rest of the royal family.
Despite these tensions, the legacy of Princess Diana's jewelry collection remains a captivating and intricate story. These jewels are not merely symbols of wealth and status but are deeply personal mementos that reflect the tumultuous and often tragic life of the People’s Princess. Among the most iconic pieces in the collection is the sapphire and diamond suite, which includes a striking sapphire and diamond necklace, bracelet, and earrings. Diana was famously photographed wearing this set during a state visit to Australia in 1983, and the vivid blue hue of the sapphires soon became synonymous with her signature look.
Another celebrated piece is the Lover's Knot Tiara, a favorite of Diana's that is now regularly worn by Kate Middleton. This delicate pearl and diamond-studded tiara was originally commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914 and has been a cherished royal heirloom ever since. However, the distribution of these jewels has not been without its complications. In addition to reported tensions between Meghan and the royal family, there have been questions regarding the ownership and provenance of some pieces. For instance, the iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Prince William presented to Kate Middleton was originally given to Diana by Prince Charles. This decision led to controversy, with some suggesting that the ring should have been preserved as a memorial to Diana rather than being passed on to another royal.
Despite these complexities, Princess Diana's jewelry collection remains an enduring and compelling part of the royal family’s history. These jewels continue to symbolize Diana’s lasting influence and the ongoing drama within the House of Windsor. As the royal family navigates the challenges of the 21st century, the fate of these precious heirlooms will undoubtedly remain a topic of fascination for royal watchers around the world. Whether worn by Kate, Meghan, or future generations of royals, the jewels of Princess Diana will forever carry the poignant and bittersweet legacy of the People’s Princess.
