Well, I do not need to give you all a lot of details, as The Preppy Princess did a fantastic job. However, here is one fact she did not expand on – the story of the Duchess of Cambridge’s borrowed tiara!
Catherine Elizabeth Middleton Mountbatten-Windsor, Duchess of Cambridge, wore the Cartier ‘halo’ tiara (which some have called the Cartier ‘scroll’ tiara as well), which was made in 1936. It was purchased by the Duke of York (later King George VI) for his wife, The Queen Mother. Then-Princess Elizabeth received it as an 18th-birthday present. As is the trend for all special royal jewels, Queen Elizabeth II’s sister Princess Margaret Rose, Countess of Snowdon, as well as her daughter, Princess Anne Elizabeth Alice Louise, The Princess Royal, borrow it on occasion.
It has a rolling affect with the scrolls that move across the two-layer diamond base to converge in a central ornament surmounted by a larger, more round-brilliant diamond, similar to a miniature crown shape (IMHO). To me, the scrolls almost look like paisley, and I think it was a fabulous choice for her to wear this tiara as her hair is dark enough to show off its features without it looking TOO showy. Certainly when compared to her other options, which you can see here. I was thinking it was a bit understated for the Prince of Wales’ wife, but maybe this tiara is her warm-up piece as she gets used to wearing larger ones.
Please read The Preppy Princess’s post!
Sidebar – it has been a long time since there has been a Duchess of Cambridge! I had no idea it has been so long, but the history behind this title is pretty interesting.
The last Duchess of Cambridge was Princess and Landgravine Augusta of Hesse-Kassel (Hesse-Kassel was a former German Grand-Duchy). She married one of the many sons of George III. She died at the age of 91! She was the mother of three children, including Queen Mary, the Duchess of Teck. She was the beautiful and popular wife of King George V.
The first Duchess of Cambridge was Queen Consort of King George II, Wilhelmina Charlotte Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach. She was of the House of Hohenzollern, married into the House of Hanover. She was incredibly popular as well as influential and gave birth to eight children.
Last sidebar – Catherine did her own makeup, allegedly, chin chin!
Photo credit: REUTERS, Aestheticus Rex for the collage pics – please read her post as well!
It was a beautiful tiara! And I loved her choice of veil. She looked absolutely perfect.
Thank you for the history behind the title. So fascinating!
That's a very cool story! I didn't know that but I wondered when I saw it. I know when she first got into the car people were saying “NO TIARA?” like it was the end of the world. But I'm glad she wore one, that it was subtle, and that it was so rich in history!
what a great post!! I love that she had so many sentimental details throughout the day
Tara –
You are welcome for the information!
Jamie – It was a beautiful subtle tiara. I am sure she wouldn't want to sit through that service with one of the larger (and heavier) crowns on her head!!
Sara – I loved the special details, too.
Terrific post!!! Great to learn more about her title and that tiara!
M – you are welcome! I thought the background story was interesting, too.
You are much too kind, thank you for your generous praise! And I *loved* reading the background on the tiara, that was fascinating.
With appreciation,
tp
I spent some time online researching the tiara also – I should have just come to your blog to begin with! 🙂
Royals have such lavish lifestyle and obviously, weddings are going to be grand as well, but I think that every wedding is special in its own way. My best friend got married last month in one of the nicest LA event venues and it was the most memorable moments of my life, even more than that of the royals!