Meghan Markle took the world by storm when she married Prince Harry in a fairytale wedding held at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.
As the newest member of the British royal family, all eyes were on what tiara the American actress would wear on her special day.
What tiara did Meghan Markle wear at her royal wedding?
Meghan wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara, which was lent to her by Queen Elizabeth II.
The glittering platinum headpiece dates back to 1932 and features a flexible 11-section band. In the center is a detachable brooch with 10 diamonds dating from 1893.
This bandeau-style tiara went perfectly with Meghan’s elegant wedding day chignon. Its Art Deco design added glamour to her look.
The Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau Tiara Story
The Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau was made for Queen Mary, grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1932. The diamonds in the center were part of a gift from the County of Lincoln for her 1893 wedding to the future King George V.
Queen Mary wanted to incorporate the brooch into the center of a new tiara. The brooch was to be the focal point of the jewelry.
The name “bandeau” refers to the flexible band, designed to be worn around the head, almost like a tiara.
Unlike other thicker, stiffer tiaras, the Diamond Bandeau has a softer, more supple feel and look.
Throughout her life, Queen Mary lent the tiara to several members of the royal family. After her death in 1953, it was inherited by Queen Elizabeth II.
Why Meghan Markle chose this royal tiara
As a new member of the royal family, Meghan worked with the Queen to select an appropriate tiara for her wedding day.
The understated elegance of the Diamond Bandeau appealed to Meghan’s less flashy tastes.
Its platinum setting and 11 sections allowed it to resize and fit perfectly on her head.
The loan of such an important piece of jewelry from the Queen’s private collection demonstrates her warm welcome of Meghan into the royal fold.
Other tiaras Meghan Markle could have worn.
Had Meghan selected a different tiara, other options would likely have included:
- The Spencer tiara – Worn by Lady Diana Spencer at her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981.
- The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara – A favorite of Princess Diana in her later years.
- The York Diamond Tiara – Often loaned to royal brides by the Queen in recent decades.
But the Queen’s Diamond Tiara fit Meghan perfectly on her wedding day. The classic elegance of her tiara reflected her modern royal style.