The Princess Margaret's Wedding: HRH The Princess Margaret
Princess Margaret was such a stunning royal bride -- maybe one of the most beautiful of the 20th century. Her dress and her veil were both very much of the era, but her tiara was a nineteenth-century stunner.
This is, of course, the famous Poltimore Tiara. It's an antique piece, made by Garrards in 1870, but it's not an heirloom Windsor tiara; instead, it was bought for Margaret. The tiara was originally made for Florence, Lady Poltimore, the wife of the 2nd Baron Poltimore. Lady Stucley, the daughter of the 4th Baron Poltimore, was the member of the family who sold the tiara.
It's sort of surprising, because this tiara is just so massive, but it actually can be converted and worn in other configurations -- as a massive diamond necklace, as well as a set of brooches. Alas, no British royal brides will be donning the Poltimore any time soon; it was sold in 2006 as a part of an auction of Margaret's jewelry after her death, apparently purchased by a Chinese collector.
I'm very sad it was sold, as it has always been in my top five of tiaras. It's so beautiful, and I think Catherine would have looked brilliant in it, just like Margaret did.
The dress was deliberately kept simple. I can't help but think that Norman Hartnell cried inwardly at not being allowed to embroider it. The simplicity of the dress allows the Poltimore tiara to be the star of the outfit. Such a pity it was sold. If I remember correctly, Margaret owned three other tiaras. The lotus flower one worn by Viscount Linley's wife at their wedding, a diamond and turquoise tiara, and a floral tiara that Lady Sarah Armstrong Jones wore at her wedding.
Apparently the Queen Mum bought the tiara for about £5,000 - there was a somewhat ruefully amused interview with the family who would have inherited it when it sold for £750,000 - although it having been Margaret's presumably added a lot to the price tag.
She was such a glamorous bride - at the very height of her beauty, and the dress really showed that off. It's such a deceptive gown - starkly plain, and yet the amount of fabric makes it so richly opulent. The tiara really was the crowning glory on the day.
LOVE this tiara. Catherine would have looked great wearing it and it's a shame it's been sold out of the family.
What a beautiful tiara. Definately in my top five, too. Apparently she was wearing a hairpiece to support it. I think it was a bit of a crime to have sold it, but with death duties being what they are in this country... Such a shame. Kate would have looked stunning in it.
Here's the gown, without Hartnell's beloved embroidery, as Ky mentioned. One of my favourite wedding dresses of the past century. Kate should be taking notes.
Definitely one for he most iconic royal brides of the 20th century. She struck the right note with everything, even 50 years later it does not look dated, just divine.
I concur with the group - Margaret was the most stunning royal bride - the whole look just worked so well together, and she showed off her petite frame to maximum effect. The Poltimore is such a beautiful tiara - and the simplicity of the dress work edjust perfectly with it. I don't think it's been bettered as a Royal wedding outfit.
love the tiara! big without being overpowering.
I simply adore Margaret as a bride. She was stunning. Love, love, love her dress. The tiara, magnificent.