ADVERTISEMENT

Here's why only some members of the royal family are allowed to wear tiaras and crowns

Kate Middleton tiara
  • Crowns and tiaras are undoubtedly the first thing that come to mind when we think of royal fashion.
  • Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie all wore tiaras for their weddings, while Queen Elizabeth II was spotted wearing a crown years before she became monarch.
  • However, there are rules surrounding which members of the royal family are allowed to wear one and when and where they're allowed to wear it.
  • We asked royal experts to break down the etiquette surrounding the use of tiaras and crowns in the royal family.

It's easy to assume that tiaras and crowns are reserved for royalty, but there are even rules surrounding which members of the royal family are allowed to wear one and when and where they're allowed to wear it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kate Middleton has been spotted wearing tiaras many times since she married Prince William in 2011, and Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie both wore tiaras borrowed from the Queen on their wedding days but this doesn't mean they can sport one any time they please.

Meanwhile, despite popular belief, it's not just the Queen who is allowed to wear a crown.

INSIDER to royal experts Grant Harrold and Richard Fitzwilliams about the ins and outs of tiara and crown etiquette and it's certainly pretty old-school.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to etiquette expert and former royal butler Grant Harrold, there are two types of women who can wear tiaras: those who are married, and those who are born princesses.

Harrold, a director at the Royal School of Etiquette, told INSIDER: 'Traditionally, tiaras are a sign of marriage. So typically they could be worn by a bride on her wedding day, or after she is married, she can wear one to any black tie event.

"Single ladies don't typically wear tiaras, unless they are born into the Royal Family as a princess."

ADVERTISEMENT

Therefore, if the royals are following this tradition, those who married into the family, such as Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle , are entitled to wear one.

Middleton was first seen wearing a tiara at her wedding to Prince William in 2011. Since then, she's been photographed wearing them on multiple occasions.

Traditionally, single royals who weren't born with the title of princess don't wear a tiara.

Lady Gabriella Windsor is the daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, the first cousin of the Queen. But despite being born the daughter of a prince, Gabriella was not given the title of a princess.

ADVERTISEMENT

The royal has never been photographed wearing a tiara before, which could mean this rule still holds true. However, we cannot be certain how much weight these older traditions hold, as they have never been confirmed by a member of the family.

Lady Gabriella is due to have her own royal wedding to Thomas Kingston in May, so it'll become clear whether the rules are still strict.

ADVERTISEMENT

Simply being married or being a princess doesn't give royal ladies free rein to wear tiaras whenever they please. They must only be worn at a particular time and place, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, former editor of "The International Who's Who."

Fitzwilliams told INSIDER: "Tradition dictates that tiaras are not worn before 6 p.m., though weddings are an exception. They are worn on formal and state occasions such as state banquets. The decision on whether to wear a tiara is linked to the dress code of a particular event and also to personal preference."

This seems to be a tradition the royals are following through on, as other than at her wedding Middleton has only ever worn a tiara sparingly, and always at black tie events.

ADVERTISEMENT

She made headlines after wearing Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara previously owned by Princess Diana to a state banquet at Buckingham Palace in 2018.

Many believe that the Queen is the only royal who is allowed to wear a crown.

However, other royals are allowed to wear coronets, which is a small crown often worn at a coronation and they don't have to be the monarch to do it. In fact, Her Majesty wore one long before she became Queen.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the 1937 photo below, the newly crowned King George VI and the Queen Mother both wore crowns, alongside Princess Margaret and our future Queen, the then-titled Princess Elizabeth, who both wore coronets.

Similarly, Prince Charles was spotted wearing a gold coronet during his investiture in 1969.

The newly-titled Prince of Wales was photographed taking a carriage ride with the Queen after the ceremony at Caermarfon Castle.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite celebrating the 50th anniversary of his investiture earlier this month, Charles has not worn a crown since.

"While princesses can wear tiaras, dukes and earls can wear coronets. You can see them all wearing them in pictures of the Queen's coronation all the males were wearing them," Harrold explained.

"From what I know, male aristocracy only wear coronets at coronations. Prince Charles hasn't worn the golden coronet since his investiture in 1969."

So that settles it while you may have assumed royals can wear crowns or tiaras without limitation, like everything, there is a set time, place, and occasion.

ADVERTISEMENT

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

Africa’s richest man Dangote stands between Europe and $17 billion in revenue

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

After months of exchanging blows, Kenya and Uganda takes steps towards resolution

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

Africa's first black billionaire could join $2.9 billion Vivendi bid for MultiChoice

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

10 most dangerous African countries in 2024

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Russia’s nuclear influence expands further north of Africa

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Navigating the future: How AI transforms selling on Amazon

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Wall decor tips: Transforming your space with style and creativity

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Putin's African diplomacy: Security talks with West, Central Africa take centre stage

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

Infinix users get over 35% exclusive discount on Showmax premier league & general entertainment subscription

ADVERTISEMENT