All that glitters is not this tiara. Though it was initially speculated that Meghan Markle could potentially wear the same exact tiara worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day, the latest development confirms that the Suits star will be bypassing that exact accessory for something of her own. And, with any official Palace matters, there’s a good reason why.
In her 2011 wedding to Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge wore the iconic Cartier Halo tiara on loan to the bride by Queen Elizabeth II. The piece itself, purchased in 1936 by King George VI, was a gift to Queen Elizabeth from her mother on her 18th birthday.
(Shutterstock.com)
The renowned tiara, however, will not be accessible to Prince Harry’s fiancée as it’s been secured for presentation in a jewelry show in Canberra, Australia until mid-summer 2018. The Cartier Halo will be featured alongside hundreds of decadent jewels in a show known as Cartier: The Exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia.
Like many pieces featured in the exhibit, the tiara has quite an illustrious history of being worn by royals as it’s also previously been on loan to Princess Margaret and Princess Anne. The National Gallery confirmed that the family heirloom will remain on display from March 30 to July 22.
As the public knows very well by now, the royal wedding of the year will take place on May 19, at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, meaning Markle will have to find an alternative option. Nevertheless, the bride has plenty of gorgeous tiaras at her disposal, potentially including key pieces from the Queen’s amassed collection of crown jewels.
Other sentimental tiara options include the Lover’s Knot Tiara—a recognizable piece that was beloved by Princess Diana herself, as well as the Spencer Tiara—which the late Princess wore to her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981. There’s also the stylish Lotus Flower Tiara, though a surprising option, which could speak to Markle’s taste.
Ultimately, it’s widely believed that Markle will opt for something that will honor the late Princess Diana.
The Prince and Princess of Wales return to Buckingham Palace by carriage after their wedding, 29th July 1981. She wears a wedding dress by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel and the Spencer family tiara. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)
Princess Of Wales In Hong Kong Wearing the Lovers Knot Tiara, a Pearl And Diamond Tiara Which Was A Wedding Gift From The Queen. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)
Regardless, the public has been assured of one magical royal moment from the wedding day itself which is a carriage ride of the newlyweds around Windsor Castle. For more royal wedding details, check back with The Knot.
