Royal Expert Reveals Location of “Queen's Tiaras and Jewels”

The Duchess of Edinburgh recently wore the Lotus Flower tiara favored by the Princess of Wales, and other pieces—like the Strathmore Rose tiara—coming out of the royal archives. — (Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the key perks of being a princess is access to the crown jewels, a historical collection of tiaras and jewelry fit for a Queen. From sapphires to diamonds, tiaras to brooches, the British Royal Family’s jewelry collection is particularly enviable. When thinking about the royal jewels, it seems logical that they would be kept in a secure vault, but a royal expert with inside knowledge of the Royal Family has revealed the true set up—and it might be surprising.

Like a scene from The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, the late Queen Elizabeth II used to keep her most-used tiaras and jewelry inside of wardrobes. “There are actually in big wardrobes in Windsor Castle or Buckingham Palace,” Emily Andrews, co-host of Channel 5’s Catching Up with the Royals, revealed. “I had always assumed they were deep underground in some dungeon lair,” the royal editor shared, echoing many assumptions of vaults and laser security systems.

Princess Kate wearing a red gown and tiara smiling at Prince William — The Princess of Wales loves a tiara moment.

Prince William wearing a black tux and Princess Kate wearing a blue sequined gown and tiara — Princess Kate has a few favorite tiaras, but she also likes to try new styles from the royal collection.

Queen Elizabeth wearing a white gown and tiara with a ruby necklace — Queen Elizabeth wearing ruby and diamond tiara.

“Actually, when the late Queen was still alive they were kept on different shelves,” Andrews said, explaining that “different tiaras worn by different members of the royal family were on shelves with their names on it.” Pieces that were often worn by the then-Duchess of Cornwall or the then-Duchess of Cambridge would be laid out on their own shelf. “Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge always wore the Lover’s Knot tiara, and that was on her shelf that was labelled ‘Duchess of Cambridge’.”

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Andrews told followers on Instagram that “that system as I understand it is still being kept” during King Charles’s reign, as the King has not felt the need to change the system set up by his late mother. “They are jewelry and tiaras that are owned by the monarch that female members of the family wear, all labeled on their own shelf.”

Princess Kate wearing a tiara and blue evening gown — Princess Kate wears a glittering tiara favored by the Queen Mother.

Queen Camilla wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara and a teal gown — Queen Camilla wears the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara.

There is obviously some room for swapping tiaras, as the Duchess of Edinburgh recently wore the Lotus Flower tiara favored by the Princess of Wales, and other pieces—like the Strathmore Rose tiara—coming out of the royal archives. When you have such an incredible collection of tiaras, necklaces, and jewels at your disposal, it’s hard to resist trying something new.

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Christine Ross is a freelancer writer, royal expert, broadcaster and podcaster. She's worked with news outlets including the BBC, Glamour, Talk TV, ET, PBS, CNN and 20/20 to cover the foremost royal events of the last decade, from Prince George’s birth to the coronation of King Charles III.

She previously served as co-host of Royally Us, a weekly royal podcast by Us Weekly. As a freelance writer and royal commentator she provides expert commentary, historical context and fashion analysis about royal families worldwide, with an emphasis on the British Royal Family.