You know it’s a special occasion when a lady wears a tiara. They capture the daydreams of little girls, find their way onto the heads of prom queens, and adorn royals of yesterday and today.
Much ado has been made about the British royal family’s collection of tiaras which have graced the heads of queens, duchesses, and princesses. Besides Queen Elizabeth, one of our most recent examples of a royal hitting the scene in a sparkling headpiece is Kate Middleton.
But some wonder about Meghan Markle. She has a beautiful engagement ring which includes diamonds from the family’s collection (Princess Diana’s), so what about the bling for her head? Well, there are rules when it comes to ladies and tiaras.
Simply put, Meghan won’t be able to wear one of the royal headpieces until she is married to Prince Harry. If you’ve been busy keeping up with her style, you’ll have to wait until the spring to see her in one. While we can predict she’ll look gorgeous in her dress, chances are her “something borrowed” will be a shiny heirloom sitting atop her head.
Protocol doesn’t endorse girlfriends and fiancées wearing the accessory to public events, so that’s why you didn’t see Kate Middleton in one when she and Prince William were engaged. Her wedding day was the first time she wore one, as it is tradition for a British royal bride to do so.
Over the years, the Duchess of Cambridge has been photographed in a number of the family’s diadems, including one worn by Princess Diana – the Cambridge Lover’s Knot. According to etiquette experts interviewed by BBC, tiaras indicate a woman’s married status and show she is taken.
Additionally, they are reserved for formal events and typically not worn during the day. Many of these rules are unique to England’s royal family which is why you may see royals from other countries wearing them freely – including unmarried women.
When Meghan Markle walks down the aisle to become Prince Harry’s wife, don’t be surprised if you see her wearing a regal headdress. But then again, don’t be surprised if you notice that she chooses to buck tradition and go with a different choice instead.
This couple has been blazing their own trail in more ways than one, and Meghan has showcased her own style which has sometimes gone against the royal grain. It should be fun to watch! The question will be whether she decides to go with a Spencer tiara, one from the Queen’s collection, or forgo a royal tiara altogether.
Once she becomes a Mrs., count on seeing a bejeweled Meghan being snapped side-by-side in photos with Duchess Kate. Click on this video from Wochit Media to hear more about royal protocol surrounding tiaras, and then guess which one you believe Meghan might rock on her wedding day.
Did you know about royal etiquette for tiaras? Do you think Meghan Markle will wear one on her wedding day? Is there a tiara that’s your favorite in the royal line?