The One Tiara Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle Will Likely Never Wear
There are many perks and privileges that come with marrying into the British royal family, and one of the most glamorous is the opportunity to wear stunning, jewel-studded tiaras. These breathtaking headpieces, steeped in history and tradition, are often reserved for the most formal royal occasions. However, not every tiara in the royal vault is available to all members of the family. In particular, there is one tiara that Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, are highly unlikely ever to wear.
This tiara in question is the Vladimir Tiara, a dazzling piece with a fascinating and complex history. Originally owned by Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia, the Vladimir Tiara made its way to the British royal family after being smuggled out of Russia during the Bolshevik Revolution. Queen Mary, a collector of royal jewels, purchased the tiara in the 1920s. It features an elegant looping design with interchangeable pearls or emerald drops, making it one of the most versatile and iconic pieces in the royal collection.
While the Vladimir Tiara is undoubtedly a showstopper, it is most closely associated with Queen Elizabeth II, who inherited it from her grandmother, Queen Mary. Throughout her reign, the late queen wore the tiara on numerous occasions, pairing it with both the pearl and emerald drops depending on the event. Because of this deep association, the Vladimir Tiara is often regarded as one of the most “queenly” tiaras in the collection. It is unlikely that other royal women, even those as high-ranking as Kate Middleton, will wear it while Queen Camilla is on the throne.
Traditionally, certain tiaras are reserved for specific roles or occasions. As the Princess of Wales, Kate has access to a wide array of tiaras, including the Lover’s Knot Tiara, which was famously favored by Princess Diana. Kate has worn this tiara several times, cementing her connection to her late mother-in-law and its symbolism as a piece for the Princess of Wales. Meghan Markle, on the other hand, had her moment with the Queen Mary’s Bandeau Tiara on her wedding day but has not worn a tiara since stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Given the circumstances, it is highly improbable that Meghan would wear a tiara again, let alone one as significant as the Vladimir.
Another factor is the sensitive politics of royal jewelry. The Vladimir Tiara’s Russian origins make it a delicate piece in today’s geopolitical climate. The British royal family is acutely aware of the symbolism their jewelry choices convey, and wearing a tiara with such ties might be deemed inappropriate at certain times.
Ultimately, the decision about who wears what tiara lies with the reigning monarch. While Queen Elizabeth II generously loaned tiaras to royal women for state occasions and weddings, it remains to be seen how King Charles III and Queen Camilla will handle these traditions. For now, it seems unlikely that the Vladimir Tiara will adorn the heads of either Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle. Instead, this iconic piece will likely remain reserved for the highest-ranking royal women or special circumstances, preserving its mystique and significance within the British monarchy.
