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.
While rumours suggested she arrived in England for her wedding in 1863 with a trove of jewels, the Court of Denmark was relatively poor. Consequently, the new Princess of Wales required a complete parure and her soon to be husband provided her with one. Despite the common attribution to the former Crown jeweller, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, it was the jeweller Garrard that crafted this set in 1862.
The tiara’s design featured trefoils and lovers’ knots, all set in diamonds.
The diamond elements were removable and could be worn as brooches or replaced with diamond stars.
The accompanying necklace, earrings and brooch featured central pearl elements surrounded by diamonds
As her only tiara until 1888, Alexandra made full use of her wedding jewels.
As these was a personal jewels and not Heirlooms of the British Crown, they were not automatically inherited by Queen Mary when she ascended the throne in 1910.
When Alexandra died in 1925, the set was split up. The Necklace, Earrings and Brooch remained with the main branch of the royal family but the tiara was inherited by her daughter, Princess Victoria of Wales.
Just as she had allegedly done with the Alexandra Emeralds, Princess Victoria ‘disposed’ of the tiara and the piece is no longer in existence.
The Necklace, Earrings and Brooch have been worn by various members of the Royal family as recently as 2018. It is now on display at The Kings Mews
