Alexandra of Denmark holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Princess of Wales, a title she held from 1863 to 1901. During this time, her grace and fashionable style resonated deeply with the public, making her a popular figure whose dress and bearing were widely emulated. Subsequently, from January 22, 1901, to May 6, 1910, she reigned as Queen of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Empress of India.
While celebrated more for her influence on fashion, Alexandra did enrich the royal jewel collection with some significant pieces.
In 1888, she and her husband celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. In an effort to gain royal favour, the ‘Ladies of Society’ wanted to give the Princess a gift but wisely asked Alexandra what she would like beforehand.
She had longed admired the jewels possessed by her sister the Empress of Russia, Maria Feodorovna. With the traditional Russian Kokoshnik style tiara very much in style, Alexandra asked the Ladies for something similar.
Queen Alexandra’s Koshoshnik Tiara was recorded in the Garrard Royal Ledger on 10 January 1888, stating, simply: “A brilliant graduating diamond tiara in the Russian style, also to form a necklace.” Comprising a series of 61 vertical bars, set with more than 400 perfectly matched diamonds, the completed Kokoshnik Tiara was convertible into a necklace
Princess Alexandra was thrilled with the jewel, especially considering that her her sole tiara until then had been from her wedding parure. Consequently, she wore this new acquisition to many significant royal events.
As this was a personal jewel and not an Heirloom of the British Crown, it was not immediately given to the next Queen Mary when she ascended the throne in 1910 but inherited upon Alexandra’s death in 1925.
The piece then skipped over Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and was left to Queen Elizabeth II on Queen Mary’s death in 1953. As this is a very imposing jewel, Queen Elizabeth chose to wear if primarily on State occasions.
The Kokoshnik Tiara was debuted by Queen Camilla in 2024 and it now on display at The Kings Mews