The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara: A Timeless Piece of Royal History

The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara is a remarkable piece of royal history, known for its timeless beauty and association with some of the most iconic moments in British royalty. Worn by Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, on her wedding day in 2018, this tiara garnered global attention. However, its origins date back over a century, making it a symbol of historical elegance and regal significance.

The Origins of the Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara

Princess Victoria Mary of Teck, born in London, was the daughter of Francis, Duke of Teck, a German nobleman, and Princess Mary Adelaide of Cambridge, a granddaughter of King George III. Informally known as "May" due to her birth month, she was engaged at 24 to her second cousin once removed, Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale. He was the eldest son of the Prince of Wales and second in line to the throne. Tragically, Albert Victor passed away just six weeks after their engagement was announced, during a pandemic. The following year, Mary became engaged to his surviving brother, George, who later ascended the throne as king. Before George became king, Mary held the titles of Duchess of York, Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess of Wales.

The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara, created in 1932, is a striking representation of Art Deco design, known for its geometric patterns and sleek elegance. It was specifically made to feature a brooch Mary had received in 1893 from the County of Lincoln as a wedding gift upon her marriage to George, the future King George V. The brooch, representing Mary's royal journey, became the centerpiece of the tiara.

After Queen Mary’s passing in 1953, the tiara was bequeathed to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, cementing its legacy. The tiara consists of 11 sections of interwoven oval patterns, set with a combination of large and small diamonds. Its central brooch, adorned with ten diamonds, can also be detached and worn separately, enhancing its versatility.

Queen Mary's Legacy and the Tiara's Transition

Queen Mary was known for her impressive collection of jewelry, much of which she either inherited or had custom-made. She often repurposed or redesigned pieces to suit contemporary fashion trends, a practice not uncommon among royal families. The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara was just one of many pieces in her extensive collection, but it stood out for its versatile, modern design.

When Queen Mary passed in 1953, much of her jewelry was passed down to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II. The bandeau tiara became part of the Queen’s personal collection, though it remained largely unseen for many years. Unlike other more frequently worn tiaras like the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, the bandeau stayed in the vaults, keeping its mystery intact.

Who Else Has Worn Queen Mary's Bandeau Tiara?

Apart from Queen Mary, the diamond tiara was also worn by her daughter-in-law, Princess Marina of Kent, who donned it for a ball in 1935. However, the tiara largely remained out of public view afterward. In fact, the Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara stayed in the royal vault for 65 years until it was famously worn by Meghan Markle on her wedding day in 2018.

Other tiaras inherited by Queen Elizabeth have been more frequently seen, such as the Fringe Tiara, which the Queen herself wore at her wedding in 1947.  Similar to how the Cambridge Lover’s Knot tiara is now closely associated with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, the Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara is now most closely linked with Meghan Markle.

Meghan Markle's Iconic Wedding Day Moment

The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara made a public reappearance on May 19, 2018, when Meghan Markle wore it for her wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor Castle. Markle's choice of this tiara surprised many, as it had been out of the public eye for several decades. Its sleek and understated design perfectly complemented her minimalist Givenchy wedding gown, designed by Clare Waight Keller.

The tiara's significance went beyond its beauty, as it also carried a rich historical legacy. By wearing this piece, Meghan honored the royal family’s heritage while showcasing her own modern style. The tiara's delicate diamond band and detachable brooch at the center added a touch of elegance and sophistication to her bridal look. While the tiara has sometimes featured a sapphire in the central setting, Meghan opted for a diamond, which was lent to her by the Queen.

Following tradition, Meghan returned the tiara to the royal vault after her wedding, as it had been loaned to her by the Queen, a custom followed by other royal brides like Princess Anne and Princess Beatrice. However, Sarah Ferguson was an exception—she kept her wedding tiara, the York tiara, which was believed to have been a gift from Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

The Craftsmanship Behind the Tiara

What makes the Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara stand out, aside from its royal associations, is the impeccable craftsmanship. The tiara was made by Garrard, the British jeweler responsible for many iconic royal jewels. The design is distinctly Art Deco, featuring geometric patterns that were very much in vogue during the 1920s and 1930s. The diamonds are set in platinum, a metal favored for its strength and ability to showcase the brilliance of gemstones.

The bandeau’s design allows it to be molded into different shapes, making it a versatile piece of jewelry. The central brooch can be detached and worn separately, adding to its functionality. The craftsmanship is a testament to the skills of the era’s jewelers, who were adept at creating pieces that combined beauty with practicality.

The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara’s Place in Royal History

As with many royal tiaras, the Queen Mary Bandeau holds deep sentimental and historical value. It serves as a connection to Queen Mary, a formidable royal figure who played a pivotal role in shaping the modern British monarchy. Additionally, the tiara’s reappearance on such a momentous occasion as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding ensures its place in the annals of royal history.

The tiara also reflects the evolving styles and tastes within the royal family. Its relatively simple, modern design contrasts with more ornate royal headpieces, showcasing how different generations of royals choose to express themselves through fashion and jewelry. Its understated elegance perfectly aligned with the values of Meghan Markle, representing a blend of tradition and modernity.

Conclusion

The Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara is more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry—it is a symbol of royal heritage, historical craftsmanship, and personal expression. Its timeless design ensures it will continue to capture the public’s imagination for years to come. Whether remembered for its Art Deco origins, its association with Queen Mary, or its unforgettable appearance at the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the tiara remains a quintessential piece of the British royal collection.

This tiara, with its rich history and understated glamour, serves as a reminder that in the world of royal jewelry, every piece has a story, and the Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara’s story is one of elegance, tradition, and modern grace.