What has Sophie, Countess of Wessex done with over £1 million worth of royal tiaras?

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, became part of the Royal Family when she married Prince Edward on 19 June 1999. The couple wed at Windsor Castle and have since had two children together, Lady Louise Windsor, 15, and James, Viscount Severn, 11. At her wedding, Sophie wore a stunning tiara which was reportedly commissioned for her by the Queen and made up of four pieces of Queen Victoria’s Regal Circlet. She has since worn millions of pounds worth of tiaras from the royal collection, but where are they now?

Buckingham Palace may not have confirmed where Sophie’s wedding tiara came from, but it is believed she was treated to a specially made design.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Eddie LeVian, CEO of jewellery Le Vian, said: “If you look closely, the tiara is composed of four anthemion elements – these are sections composed of twisting diamond floral motifs, set on a gold frame.

“Queen Victoria’s Regal Circlet was made with a set of detachable fleur-de-lis, Maltese cross, and anthemion elements that could be swapped out and rearranged.”

Since the big day, Sophie has been spotted out wearing two other tiaras and an expert revealed their value.

The Countess has been seen in the Five Aquamarine Tiara, thought to be worth £1 million, and the Aquamarine Necklace Tiara, thought to be worth £500,000. 

Where are the tiaras now?

It is not uncommon for members of the Royal Family to borrow a headpiece from the Queen’s collection for their wedding day.

For important occasions, such as a state visit, royals may also borrow a tiara from the Queen’s collection.

As these pieces are usually a loan, these are often given back to the Queen and remain as part of the royal collection.

Although it is likely Sophie handed back most of the designs she has worn, she may have held onto her wedding tiara if it really was made for her at the Queen’s request.

Last month, Sophie wore her wedding tiara at the state dinner during the US state visit which suggested she is still in possession of it.

However, she had updated the jewel as it had been crafted into one triangle shape at the top, instead of three separate peaks.

It is also thought Sophie might still be in possession of the Aquamarine Necklace Tiara as this design has not ever been spotted on another royal.

Sophie has been a working royal for 20-years, but her children still missed out on HRH status. 

This is because they have been titled as the children of an Earl rather than the grandchildren of the monarch.

The Countess could be set to get a new title soon if Prince Edward becomes the Duke of Edinburgh.