Royal Rift: Spencer Crown Sparks New Sisterly Feud Fears

Generational heirloom could become flashpoint for Princess Charlotte and Lilibet

The long-standing chasm between royal brothers Prince William and Prince Harry shows no signs of closing, with predictions now suggesting the discord could ensnare the next generation, potentially centering on a priceless heirloom.

The Spencer Heirlooms and Heirloom Rights

At the heart of the potential familial friction is the Spencer tiara, a dazzling piece worn by their late mother, Princess Diana, on her wedding day in 1981. The Spencer family heirloom, valued at approximately £400,000, has been a symbol of the maternal lineage, rarely seen since Diana’s passing.

Jewellery expert Maxwell Stone suggests that while both Princess Charlotte, daughter of Prince William, and Lilibet, daughter of Prince Harry, are Diana’s granddaughters, their access to the tiara may differ significantly due to their current proximity to the core royal family.

Charlotte’s Claim: Proximity to the Throne

Charlotte, residing in the UK and carrying the title of Princess, is seen as more likely to inherit the opportunity to wear the Spencer tiara. As an integral part of the active royal family, her connection to tradition and familial legacy is considered stronger.

Stone elaborates, stating: “Although Lilibet may appear to have the same rights as she is Diana’s granddaughter, her ties with her royal family are not as strong as Charlotte’s. Traditionally, she grows out of the royal circle. This can reduce her chance to reach this precious crown.”

The tiara’s future use is contingent on its custodianship. While Charlotte‘s claim appears stronger due to her position within the “nucleus” royal family, the ultimate decision rests with the head of the Spencer family, Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer.

Lilibet’s Position: Distance from Tradition

In contrast, Lilibet, who is growing up in the United States and is less integrated into royal life, faces a more challenging path to wearing the historic piece. Her life away from the direct sphere of the British monarchy could diminish her perceived entitlement to the Spencer legacy.

The Spencer tiara was last notably worn in 2018 by Celia McCorquodale, Diana’s niece, during her wedding, a clear demonstration of its significance within the extended family.

The potential for this heirloom to become a point of contention underscores the enduring impact of the brothers’ estrangement. As of 2023, the estimated net worth of the British royal family’s private assets, including jewellery, is over £20 billion, highlighting the immense value and symbolic weight attached to such treasures (The Royal Family, 2023).

The Crown’s Future Path

Should Charlotte come of age and be permitted to wear the Spencer tiara, it would mark a significant continuation of her maternal grandmother’s legacy. The decision of who ultimately wears the prestigious headpiece could become another chapter in the complex and evolving narrative of the Windsor family.