Today at Hidden Gems, I’ve published the second of two articles about the jewelry secrets revealed in the recently-unsealed will of Prince Francis of Teck, who was a younger brother of Queen Mary. For those interested in more about the jewels mentioned in the will, as well as about the Teck family and their jewelry during the same period, I’ve got a roundup of bonus articles for you to enjoy today.
Oh, and PS: thanks to everyone for your good health wishes this week! I was so touched to read them. Thankfully the entire family is on the mend!
Queen Mary’s brother left behind a will that bequeathed precious family jewels to his married mistress–and lobbed painful insults at the royal sister with whom he was once extremely close. [Hidden Gems Subscriber Exclusive]
Nine royal wills were officially unsealed in June, and today at Hidden Gems, I’m bringing you the first of two articles on the contents of the infamous will that started it all: the last will and testament of Queen Mary’s brother, Prince Francis of Teck. [Hidden Gems Subscriber Exclusive]
It’s one of the most classic stories in British royal jewelry history: the saga of a set of lovely emeralds, won in a lottery, and nearly lost to a love affair. Settle in today for the strange and sometimes scandalous story of the Cambridge Emeralds.
The Tiara and Jewels of the 1911 Delhi Durbar
More than a century ago, King George V and Queen Mary of the United Kingdom made one of the most fascinating appearances of their reign, attending the Delhi Dubar celebrating their coronation in India. Today, we’ve got a closer look at the jewels that Queen Mary commissioned to wear at the ceremony.
The Teck Emperor of Austria Brooch
Queen Elizabeth II’s brooch collection was well stocked with pieces set with diamonds and pearls. But today’s brooch, the Teck Emperor of Austria Brooch, also has a little something extra: a Habsburg imperial provenance.
Jewel History: Royal Wedding at Windsor (1904)
“Prince Alexander of Teck and Princess Alice of Albany were married this afternoon at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, where Queen Victoria was married on the same date in 1840. The Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by other clergy, officiated, and King Edward gave away the bride.”
The Queen’s Gloucester Pendant Earrings
Many of the grandest pieces of jewelry made their way into Queen Elizabeth II’s collection thanks to her jewel-mad grandmother, Queen Mary. Today’s earrings, the Gloucester pendants, are no exception, although their history can be traced back generations further than even Mary herself.
Kate Wears a Special Royal Brooch in a New Joint Portrait
A royal visit to Cambridge brought us the unveiling of a new royal portrait—and a surprise appearance from a very important royal heirloom brooch!
Jewel History: Coronation Tiaras on Show (1911)
“At Cartier’s, the well-known jewellers in Bond Street, London, there is to be seen one of the finest collections of gems ever got together. The exhibits are the tiaras and crowns to be worn by princesses and peeresses at the Coronation, and the proceeds (the charge for admission is a guinea) are to be devoted to the Prince Francis of Teck’s Memorial Fund for the endowment of Middlesex Hospital.”
Queen Mary’s Coronation Jewels
Our series on the coronation jewels worn by queens regnant and consort continues today with a look at the splendid sparkle selected by Queen Mary in 1911.
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