A recent revelation has surfaced regarding Meghan Markle’s wedding tiara, unveiling that the one she wore on her special day is actually a replica.
The original version of the tiara is said to be securely stashed away for a significant royal family event.
Nearly five years ago, Meghan Markle tied the knot with Prince Harry at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, marking a momentous occasion in their lives.
In adherence to royal tradition, the late Queen played a pivotal role by lending Meghan Markle a tiara from the royal collection for her wedding day.
Opting for Queen Mary’s bandeau tiara, the newest addition to the royal family inadvertently selected a piece with a rich and intriguing history.
Queen Mary, who became the Duchess of York after marrying King George V in 1893, received a stunning diamond brooch from the County of Lincoln.
This exquisite brooch features a circular arrangement of diamonds, with the ten largest stones elegantly placed at its core.
In 1932, Queen Mary commissioned the creation of a bandeau tiara to showcase the brooch prominently in the center.
Described as a flexible band comprised of 11 sections adorned with large and small brilliant diamonds in a captivating geometric design, the tiara exudes elegance and sophistication.
Despite making occasional appearances on Queen Mary, the tiara failed to capture the attention of future generations of the royal family.
Fast forward to 2018, Queen Elizabeth II graciously lent this historic tiara to Meghan Markle for her wedding day ensemble.
During an exhibition showcasing her wedding outfit at Windsor Castle, Meghan expressed her awe at wearing such a prestigious piece.
However, sources close to the palace have revealed that the tiara worn by Meghan was, in fact, a replica.
Allegedly, concerns arose that the original tiara could be targeted for theft, prompting the decision to provide Meghan with a duplicate.
The true Queen Mary tiara, along with its sister piece, is believed to be safeguarded in the royal vaults, patiently awaiting its next grand appearance.
Additionally, Queen Mary possessed another remarkable diamond bandeau known as the diamond lozenge tiara.
Characterized as a sleek and low kokoshnik-shaped tiara embellished with diamonds set in a lozenge pattern and adorned with 13 pearls, this tiara has remained unseen for decades, hinting at a potential future debut by a member of the younger royal generation like Princess Charlotte.
Speculations arose previously suggesting that Meghan Markle had set her sights on an emerald tiara, only to ultimately don the Queen Mary diamond bandeau on her wedding day.
Reports indicated that Prince Harry was displeased upon learning that Meghan couldn’t wear the emerald tiara she desired, leading to a heated exchange between the couple.
The Queen reportedly intervened, asserting her decision that Meghan should wear a replica of Queen Mary’s tiara instead.
Furthermore, rumors circulated alleging that Meghan Markle was prohibited from wearing the crown jewels due to concerns about potential theft.
An anonymous insider claimed that Meghan had been caught attempting to smuggle diamonds in a purse and later falsely claimed they were lost.
Despite these controversies, Meghan is permitted to wear personal jewelry belonging to Princess Diana, as it was bequeathed to her sons in a will.
However, the Royal Collection remains off-limits to Meghan, unlike other royal figures such as Camilla and Catherine, who are entitled to utilize its treasures.
In the aftermath of Princess Diana’s passing, any jewelry borrowed from the Royal Collection was promptly returned to the Queen, signifying the end of an era and the preservation of royal traditions.
The intricate web of royal drama surrounding Meghan Markle’s wedding tiara continues to unravel, shedding light on the complexities and intricacies of royal etiquette and tradition.