The Royal Family have one of the world’s most prized jewellery collections which is worth hundreds of millions of pounds. However, due to some of their controversial origins, the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle are not allowed to step out in certain exquisite designs.
The Crown of Princess Blanche, also called the Palatine Crown or Bohemian Crown, is the oldest surviving royal headpiece. It dates back to around 1370 and is believed to have belonged to King Edward III and Anne of Bohemia.
Decked in stunning gold it features huge diamonds, balas rubies, emeralds, sapphires, as well as enamel and pearls. However, it is no longer in royal possession as it was part of Princess Blanche’s dowry when she married Louis III.
Today, it is owned by the House of Wittelsbach which has been on display in the treasury of the Munich Residenz, Germany since 1782. There are reported to be around 50 tiaras in the royal vault but only a selection is available for family members to use when they attend public engagements.
From political issues to scandals – there are many reasons why Princess Kate is unable to wear designs like the Indian Ruby, Lasque, and Pearl Tiara. This is because it can reflect poorly on the monarchy and what the crown stands for.
The stunning tiara is made up of 12 gold, tear-shaped sections that are mounted with rubies and diamonds. It also has a gold and pearl band, and enamel panels on the reverse side.
It is steeped in rich history after Queen Victoria was presented with the tiara during her reign, and she left it to her daughter-in-law.
King George V who was Queen Elizabeth II’s grandfather ended up adding it to the crown’s Indian Collection, where it remains today.
However it has been suggested that it is unlikely that the royal would ever wear it again after it was placed in the Royal Collection which is considered hidden, this means it is privately owned and held in trust by the monarch.
After analysing tiaras worn by the Royal Family, it has been suggested by Steven Stone Jewellers the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik crown is the most valuable.
It was last worn by Princess Eugenie back in 2022 but sparked controversy after Meghan Markle was said to of wanted to wear it at her wedding that was six months before.
Also known as the Russian emerald headdress— the late Queen reportedly said that it would not be appropriate for Meghan to wear that particular crown as it was associated with Russia and its imperial court.
The stunning piece features a 93.7-carat cabochon-cut emerald as its centrepiece, which significantly contributes to its value which is estimated to be around £10 million.
The Vladimir Tiara was considered to be one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite headpieces. She first stepped out in it back in 1953 at a film premiere and wore it throughout her 70 reign.
The Queen who died at the age of 96, was last spotted in it back in 2019 at a white-tie event.
It was originally made for Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia in 1874 but was forced to smuggle it out of the country after the revolution.
Queen Mary, who is the Queen’s grandmother, is said to of purchased the tiara at auction in 1921 – today it is estimated to be worth around $50,000,000 which is around £40,000,000
However, due to its complex origin which is connected to Russia, which is currently at war with Ukraine, it has been suggested that no Royal is allowed to wear it.
