Princess Andrew's Meander Tiara: A Mother-in-Law's Wedding Gift
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| The Meander Tiara was worn by Princess Andrew of Greece, Princess Anne, and Zarah Phillips. |
The word “meander” refers to the Greek key design that makes up the band of this tiara. It is believed that Princess Alice got the tiara as a wedding gift from her husband, Prince Andrew of Greece, in 1903. However, it was not until 1914 when she was first seen wearing it, so it could also be that the tiara was an inheritance from King George I of Greece, her father-in-law, who was assassinated in 1913.
Probably made by Cartier, the tiara features diamonds in a Greek key design, a central laurel wreath and a large diamond, and two diamond honeysuckles.
Praised for her beauty, Princess Alice possessed “long blond hair and large brown eyes” that her great-uncle, the future King Edward VII remarked: “No throne is too good for her.” The tiara was the princess' favorite and she was frequently photographed with the tiara on her head until she finally parted with it and gave it to her new daughter-in-law in 1947.
Queen Elizabeth II, however, preferred the grander diadems in her collection over the delicate Meander that seemed most suitable on the head of a princess. Princess Anne was later seen wearing the tiara, particularly during the State Opening of Parliament in 1970. Two years later, the queen gave it to her only daughter as an advance wedding present just before her engagement to Mark Phillips. Since then, the princess has donned the piece in various state functions and in official portraits. Its latest and most prominent public outing was in 2011 when Princess Anne’s daughter, Zarah Phillips, wore it on her wedding day.
Learn more about Princess Andrew’s Meander Tiara on the following links:
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