Princess Diana’s Two Tiaras: The Only Ones She Ever Wore as Royal

Princess Diana was known for her unique approach to royal style, often choosing relatability over tradition. While tiaras symbolized royalty, she wore only two throughout her life, each tied to significant moments and a legacy that continues today.

Princess Diana was celebrated not only for her humanitarian work but also for her distinctive sense of style. While tiaras are often associated with royal tradition, Diana wore only two throughout her time as a princess, reflecting her preference for a more relatable image.

Although tiaras are a symbol of royalty, Diana often chose not to wear them. Instead, she opted for alternative headpieces that aligned with her image as the people’s princess.

However, there were two tiaras she wore repeatedly for formal occasions, each carrying historical and personal significance.

The Spencer Tiara: A Family Heirloom

Diana’s first go-to tiara was the Spencer Tiara, which she famously wore on July 29, 1981, when she married now-King Charles.

Rather than selecting a piece from the royal jewelry collection, she chose this family heirloom. The tiara had deep roots in her family history, originally created for Viscountess Montagu in 1767 and later gifted to Diana’s grandmother as a wedding present in 1919.

In the late 1930s, Garrard remodeled the tiara to incorporate additional family jewels. The updated design featured a central heart-shaped motif surrounded by scrolls, stars, and trumpet-shaped flowers.

Diana wore the Spencer Tiara at several royal events, making it one of her most recognizable accessories.

After her death in 1997, the tiara was not publicly worn again until 2018, when her niece, Celia McCorquodale, chose it for her wedding.

The Lover’s Knot Tiara: A Royal Loan

The second tiara Diana wore was the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a diamond and pearl piece loaned to her by Queen Elizabeth as a wedding gift.

Originally commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913, the tiara was designed as a replica of one owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, the Duchess of Cambridge.

The tiara is designed with 19 arches set with both brilliant- and rose-cut diamonds, each topped with a hanging pearl, along with a signature diamond bow pattern known as the “lover’s knot.” It originally featured an additional row of 19 pearls along the top, taken from the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, but these were later replaced with brilliant-cut diamonds.

Following Queen Mary’s death in 1953, Queen Elizabeth inherited the piece and later lent it to Diana as a wedding gift in 1981. Diana went on to wear the tiara at several major events, including the State Opening of Parliament that same year and during a 1989 visit to Hong Kong, where she paired it with the Catherine Walker “Elvis” dress.

After Diana’s death in 1997, the tiara was not seen in public again until 2015, when Kate Middleton wore it to the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.

Despite having access to such pieces, Diana often chose alternative styling, using necklaces as headpieces to create memorable looks. One notable example was during a 1985 trip to Australia, when she styled an emerald and diamond necklace as a headband.

A Different Approach to Royal Style

Rather than relying heavily on tiaras, Diana became known for her creative fashion choices. She often repurposed jewelry in unexpected ways, including using necklaces as headpieces.

One of her most iconic looks came during a 1985 visit to Australia, when she wore an emerald and diamond necklace as a headband.

Princess Diana’s limited use of tiaras reflected her desire to connect with people in a more approachable way. The two pieces she did wear remain deeply tied to her legacy, symbolizing both her personal history and her lasting influence on royal fashion.