Princess Eugenie Wedding Tiara: The $13 Million Surprise Nobody Saw Coming

When Princess Eugenie stepped out of the royal car at St. George’s Chapel in 2018, the world collectively held its breath. It wasn't just the dress. Everyone had been placing bets on her wearing the York Diamond Tiara—the one her mother, Sarah Ferguson, famously wore in 1986. Instead, she hit us with something completely unexpected. Shimmering in the October sun was a massive, green-hued masterpiece that hadn't been seen in public for nearly a century. This was the princess eugenie wedding tiara, officially known as the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik.

It was a total curveball. Honestly, even seasoned royal watchers were stunned. Most brides stick to diamonds, but Eugenie went full "Art Deco cool." By skipping the traditional veil, she made sure that every single eye was glued to those emeralds.

What Really Happened With the Princess Eugenie Wedding Tiara

The choice to wear the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik was a power move in the world of royal fashion. For years, this piece sat in the vaults, gathering dust and mystery. It was part of the "Greville Bequest," a massive haul of jewelry left to the Queen Mother in 1942 by Margaret Greville, a wealthy socialite who was basically the "it-girl" of her time.

Dame Margaret was tight with the royals. When she died, she didn't just leave a few trinkets; she left a literal trunk of treasures. While the Queen Mother loved the Greville Honeycomb tiara (the one Queen Camilla wears all the time now), she never actually wore the emerald kokoshnik in public. Neither did Queen Elizabeth II.

So, when Eugenie debuted it, she wasn't just wearing a "something borrowed." She was reviving a ghost.

The Math Behind the Sparkle

Let's talk specs, because they’re insane. This isn't just a pretty headband. The princess eugenie wedding tiara is a masterclass in French craftsmanship.

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• The Centerpiece: A monstrous 93.7-carat cabochon emerald. It’s not faceted like a diamond; it’s smooth and rounded, giving it a deep, pool-like glow.
• The Supporting Cast: There are six more emeralds flanking the center stone, three on each side.
• The Metal: Everything is pavé-set in platinum.
• The Diamonds: A mix of brilliant-cut and rose-cut diamonds. Rose-cut diamonds are an old-school style that doesn't "shout" as much as modern cuts—they have a soft, romantic shimmer.

Basically, it's worth a fortune. Experts usually peg the value somewhere between $6.5 million and $13 million, making it one of the most expensive tiaras ever worn by a royal bride.

Why the "Kokoshnik" Style Still Matters

You've probably noticed the shape is a bit different from the pointed "princess" crowns we see in Disney movies. That's because it’s a kokoshnik. This style was huge in the Russian Imperial Court. It mimics a traditional Russian folk headdress—broad at the front and tapering down at the sides.

In the early 20th century, everything Russian was "in" for the European elite. The Parisian jewelry house Boucheron created this specific piece for Mrs. Greville in 1919. It’s got that classic Art Deco vibe: geometric, bold, and slightly masculine compared to the flowery, delicate tiaras of the Victorian era.

The No-Veil Decision

Eugenie’s choice to skip a veil was a huge talking point. Usually, royal brides use a veil to add a sense of mystery and "traditional" bridal flair. But Eugenie had a specific mission. She wanted to show the scar on her back from a surgery she had at age 12 to correct scoliosis.

By ditching the veil, she didn't just highlight her scar; she gave the princess eugenie wedding tiara zero competition. The green of the emeralds popped against her hair and her Peter Pilotto gown, which featured a low-back design. It was a cohesive, modern look that felt authentic to her, rather than a costume.

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The Meghan Markle Rumors

You can't talk about this tiara without mentioning the drama. For years, rumors swirled that Meghan Markle actually wanted the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik for her wedding to Prince Harry just months earlier.

The story goes that Meghan was "denied" the emeralds because their provenance was "uncertain" or because they didn't suit her. Instead, she wore the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau. Whether that’s true or just tabloid fodder is still debated, but it definitely added a layer of intrigue when Eugenie showed up wearing the "forbidden" jewels.

In reality, the Queen had the final say. Loaning this specific piece to her granddaughter Eugenie was a clear sign of favor. It was a "first" in many ways—the first time a royal wore it, and the first time many people even realized it existed.

How to Get the Look (Without the Millions)

Unless you have a grandmother with a royal vault, you probably won't be rocking 90-carat emeralds anytime soon. However, the "Eugenie effect" is real. Since 2018, there's been a massive spike in brides looking for colored gemstones and bandeau-style headpieces.

1. Go for the Cabochon: Look for "cabochon" cut stones if you want that smooth, vintage look. They feel more "heirloom" than sparkly faceted gems.
2. Emerald Green is a Neutral: Seriously. Dark green looks incredible with white, ivory, or even champagne-colored dresses. It’s sophisticated without being too "loud."
3. The Low Chignon: To make a tiara like this work, you need a stable base. Eugenie’s hairstylist, Sonny-Jo MacFarlane, used a loose, textured chignon. This keeps the tiara from looking like it's just sitting on top of your head.

Where is the Tiara Now?

After the wedding, the tiara went back to the Royal Collection. It was actually put on display at Windsor Castle for a while so the public could see it up close. Since then, it’s been back in the vault—mostly.

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Interestingly, in late 2025, Queen Camilla was spotted wearing it at a diplomatic reception. This was a big deal because it was only the second time a royal had ever worn it in public. It seems the "mystery tiara" is finally entering the regular rotation.

The legacy of the princess eugenie wedding tiara isn't just about the price tag or the carats. It’s about a bride who knew exactly who she was. She chose a piece that was bold, historic, and slightly unconventional—just like her.

If you're planning your own wedding or just love jewelry, take a page from Eugenie's book: don't be afraid of a little color. Sometimes the "unexpected" choice is the one people will be talking about for the next hundred years.

To see more of the royal collection's history, you can check out the official Royal Collection Trust archives which detail the Greville Bequest. Focusing on Art Deco pieces from the 1920s is a great starting point if you're looking to replicate this specific aesthetic for a modern event. Applying a bit of historical context to your fashion choices always adds a layer of depth that standard "trends" just can't match.

The most important takeaway? Your wedding look should tell your story. Whether that's showing a scar or wearing a 93-carat emerald, the best style is the one that makes you feel like the most authentic version of yourself.