It’s not a surprise that Princess Margaret gets married in The Crown. Even if you haven’t seen Episode 7 of Season 2 yet, you probably know that Queen Elizabeth’s rebellious sister married photographer Tony Armstrong Jones, who became Lord Snowdon. But what you may not know, because it’s not mentioned in the Netflix series, is that the tiara Princess Margaret wore for her wedding was purchased specifically for the occasion. Yes, despite the availability of numerous tiaras from the crown collection, another one was acquired.
Princess Margaret wearing the Poltimore tiara on her way to Westminster Abbey with Prince Philip who is gave her away. Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images
The story behind this jewel is that it was recommended by Lord Plunket, who served as the Queen’s Deputy Master of the Household from 1954 to 1975. Plunket, who was mainly in charge of Elizabeth’s social life, was also an art collector and occasionally advised the monarch on purchases for the royal collection. He believed that the diamond tiara, made by the crown jeweler Garrard in the 1870s, would be the perfect piece for Margaret’s wedding, and he was absolutely right.
Princess Margaret in the Poltimore tiara and her husband Anthony Armstrong-Jones wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding. Photo Getty Images
This antique diamond jewel, with a silver topped gold frame, was put up for sale at Sotheby’s in 1959. It was originally made for Lady Poltimore, the wife of the second Baron Poltimore, and was sold by the daughter of the fourth Baron Poltimore, Honorable Lady Stucley. The tiara was purchased for a mere £5,500. Many royal enthusiasts believe that Princess Margaret bought it for herself, which is in line with her independent character. Others speculate that it may have been a wedding gift from either the Queen Mother or Queen Elizabeth.
Like many tiaras from the late 19th century, this jewel had the ability to be transformed. It could be removed from its frame and converted into a fringe necklace and 11 brooches. (You can see how it looks as a necklace here.) Before announcing her engagement, Princess Margaret was seen wearing the tiara as a necklace. However, for her royal wedding on May 6, 1960, she chose to showcase the dramatic tiara. It was incorporated into her elaborate chignon hairstyle, with a long silk tulle veil by Claude St. Cyr of Paris flowing from the back. The ornate jewel stood out against her minimalist Norman Hartnell silk organza wedding dress, which lacked the usual crystal accents found on royal bridal attire. The only other jewel she wore was Queen Mary’s Diamond Rivière.
Princess Margaret wearing the Poltimore tiara in the bathtub while her husband Lord Snowdon takes a picture.
After her wedding, Princess Margaret wore the Poltimore tiara on numerous occasions throughout her life, including once in the bathtub. The famous photograph of her wearing the tiara in the tub was taken by her husband at their apartment in Kensington Palace around 1962. Margaret had just had her hair done and was taking a bath before getting dressed for an evening out. The image, often shared on Instagram, was first publicly seen in 2006 at an exhibition of Lord Snowdon’s work.
Princess Margaret’s Poltimore tiara displayed at Christie’s. Photo Getty Images
The current whereabouts of the Poltimore tiara are unknown to the public. In order to cover hefty inheritance taxes, Margaret’s children auctioned off the tiara at Christie’s in London on June 13, 2006, along with approximately 90 other jewels and many of her personal belongings. The tiara was sold for £926,400. Some believed that the royal family should have purchased this historic jewel. The controversy surrounding its sale would be worthy of an entire episode of The Crown.
