Royal Tiaras With Strange Histories — The British Crowns That Spark Curiosity

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Royals (1 / 1) 16.07.2026 23:07 / Torben

Some of the British royal family’s most glittering tiaras carry stories of misfortune, alterations born of superstition, and dramatic journeys across continents. These headpieces have followed wearers through deaths, exile and reinvention. Read on to discover the full story!

Hesse Strawberry Leaf Tiara

Designed by Prince Albert in 1861, reportedly as a wedding gift for Princess Alice, this diamond tiara is linked to several family tragedies. Prince Albert died of typhoid that year; Alice lost children young and died of diphtheria in 1878. The piece passed through descendants, was lent for a Russian coronation, and survived a 1937 plane crash that killed relatives; the tiara was recovered and is now housed with the House of Hesse.

Oriental Circlet Tiara

Crafted by Garrard in 1853 with lotus motifs and Mughal arches, the circlet originally held diamonds and opals. Queen Alexandra removed the opals around 1902 amid superstitions and replaced them with Burmese rubies. Queen Victoria’s will limited its wear to queens; it moved from the Queen Mother to Queen Elizabeth and was last seen worn by the Princess of Wales in 2025.