Sophie, Countess of Wessex: Why her wedding tiara was so different to Sarah Ferguson's

Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Prince Edward tied the knot in June of 1999, just a matter of months after announcing their engagement. The royals had been dating since 1993. They exchanged vows at Windsor Castle’s St George’s Chapel. For the occasion, Sophie, who was formerly Sophie Rhys Jones, wore a stunning bejewelled tiara, as is tradition in the Royal Family.

However, it seems that the bride’s tiara was rather different to that of other royal brides.

That’s because this piece of gifted jewellery was created especially for her.

And, while Sarah Ferguson, 59, may have also worn a new tiara, this is where the similarity ends.

That’s because Fergie sported a headpiece which was made from new jewels.

Meanwhile, Sophie’s had been designed with older jewels, which were from the Queen’s private collection.

It’s even thought to contain pieces from Queen Victoria’s Regal Circlet.

READ MORE: How much did Sophie Countess of Wessex’s engagement ring from Prince Edward cost?

A look at the wedding tiaras worn by recent royal brides

Sophie, Countess of Wessex wedding tiara

While royal brides tend to either wear a brand new piece or a wear an heirloom piece, Sophie, Countess of Wessex wore a combination of the two.

The exact name of the tiara is unknown.

The Countess has worn the piece of jewellery a number of times since her wedding day – such as to the nuptials of Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.

Sarah Ferguson wedding tiara

Sarah Ferguson tied the knot with Prince Andrew at Westminster Abbey in July 1986.

Sarah Ferguson also wore a previously unseen wedding tiara, with the jewellery having been made especially for her.

Princess Diana wedding tiara

Princess Diana was known as Lady Diana Spencer before marrying Prince Charles back in 1981.

The royals tied the knot at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The late princess opted for her own family diamonds for the occasion, wearing the Spencer Tiara.

Meghan Markle wedding tiara

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, wore the Queen Mary Bandeau Tiara for her and Prince Harry’s big day.

The former Suits actor tied the knot with the prince in May 2018, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

The jewels hadn’t been worn for 65 years prior to the special event, having previously been well-loved and worn by Queen Mary, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II.

Kate Middleton wedding tiara

Kate Middleton and Prince William wed at Westminster Abbey, London, back in 2011.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrived at the church in the Cartier Halo Tiara.

It is set with more than 1000 diamonds, and crafted as a band of “16 graduated scrolls”, the Royal Collection Trust have said.