The next chapter of royal fashion history could see Princess Diana’s most iconic jewel return to the spotlight — and the question of who will wear it is sparking intrigue across royal circles.

Princess Charlotte, the only daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is widely believed to be the frontrunner to one day inherit Diana’s beloved Spencer Tiara, a dazzling diamond headpiece now valued at an astonishing £400,000. Yet her young cousin, Princess Lilibet — daughter of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle — remains another possible contender.

A Jewel With a Legacy

On her wedding day in 1981, Diana made headlines around the globe when she chose not to wear a tiara from the Crown’s vault, but instead her family heirloom — the Spencer Tiara. Passed down through the Spencer line since the 18th century, the tiara has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Diana’s elegance and independence.

Since her tragic passing in 1997, however, the tiara has been seen only rarely. Neither Princess Kate nor Meghan Markle has ever worn it, despite often honouring Diana through their style choices. The last public outing was in 2018, when Diana’s niece, Celia McCorquodale, wore it at her wedding.

Charlotte vs. Lilibet: Who Will Shine?

Jewellery expert Maxwell Stone told the Daily Express:

“The Spencer Tiara doesn’t belong to the Crown Jewels, but to the Spencer family. While both Charlotte and Lilibet could theoretically wear it, Charlotte is the far more likely choice.”

Why? As a future key member of the working royal family, Princess Charlotte is seen as embodying Diana’s legacy in a way that her cousin cannot. Wearing the tiara at a milestone occasion — most likely her wedding — would be a symbolic tribute to her grandmother’s enduring influence.

By contrast, Princess Lilibet, who is being raised outside the royal institution, has a more distant connection to both the traditions and the jewels. This, experts believe, may limit her access to such heirlooms.

An Heirloom Like No Other

The Spencer Tiara was originally gifted to Diana’s grandmother, Countess Cynthia Spencer, in 1919. Crafted from an intricate mix of older jewels, it features diamond-encrusted tulips, scrolls, and star motifs — a breathtaking example of aristocratic craftsmanship.

Though no official valuation exists, experts estimate its worth at around £400,000 today, thanks not only to its exquisite design but also to its extraordinary sentimental value.

The Future of the Spencer Tiara

For now, the tiara remains securely in the possession of Charles Spencer, Diana’s brother. But as the younger generation of royal women grow up, the world waits with anticipation: Will the dazzling headpiece crown Charlotte’s royal destiny? Or could it one day unexpectedly adorn Princess Lilibet, reshaping the tiara’s history once again?

Either way, Diana’s iconic jewel is destined to sparkle once more — carrying with it the memory of the people’s princess into a new royal era.