Why Princess Diana's iconic Spencer Tiara will never be worn by Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle

Princess Diana's most famous tiara may be one of the most recognisable pieces of royal jewellery in the world, but despite its close association with the late princess, the glittering heirloom is set to remain firmly out of reach of both Princess Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. The tiara is not owned by the Royal Family and has always remained the property of the Spencer family, meaning it is unlikely ever to pass to either woman.According to royal jewellery experts who spoke to RadarOnline.com, Diana famously wore the Spencer tiara on her wedding day to the then-Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, paired with her iconic silk taffeta gown and 25-foot train, creating one of the defining images of modern royal history.A royal source was clear on the matter. "There is a common misconception that the Spencer tiara was somehow absorbed into the royal collection because of Diana's fame. In reality, it has always remained a Spencer family possession, and decisions about its future rest entirely with the family rather than the monarchy," the insider said.The source added, "Its significance goes far beyond Diana. The tiara represents generations of Spencer family history, which is why there has never been any serious expectation that it would be handed to members of the Royal Family through marriage."Before Diana wore it, the tiara had already been a treasured Spencer family heirloom, previously worn by her elder sisters Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale on their own wedding days.The tiara is estimated to be worth more than $500 million. It was created in 1937 for Cynthia Spencer, Countess Spencer, wife of the 7th Earl Spencer, and was assembled using a collection of 19th-century diamond ornaments. Sotheby's has described the design as being crafted "in the garland style as a central heart flanked by continuous running scrolls, interspersed with star and trumpet-shaped flowers," set throughout with circular, rose-cut, cushion and pear-shaped diamonds mounted in gold.Following Cynthia Spencer's passing, the tiara passed to her son John Spencer, the 8th Earl Spencer and Diana's father. When he passed away in 1992, ownership transferred to Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer, the current 9th Earl Spencer, widely remembered for his eulogy at his sister's funeral."The line of succession for the tiara is actually very straightforward. It follows the Spencer family line and is expected to remain there. Regardless of public fascination with Diana's legacy, ownership has never been in doubt. It will never leave the family," another source said.The heirloom is expected to eventually pass to Charles Spencer's son, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, rather than to any member of the Royal Family.Rumours have circulated for years that Meghan hoped to wear the Spencer tiara at her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, but those claims were never confirmed. Instead, she wore Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau Tiara on the day. Kate, meanwhile, chose Queen Elizabeth II's Cartier Halo Tiara for her wedding to Prince William in April 2011.Although the Spencer tiara remains beyond their reach, both women have connections to other pieces associated with Diana. Kate famously wears Diana's sapphire and diamond engagement ring and has been seen wearing several items from the late princess's jewellery collection. Meghan frequently wears Diana's gold Cartier Tank Française watch, one of the most recognisable pieces from the princess's personal collection.