When Queen Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten in 1947, she received extravagant wedding gifts to mark the momentous occasion. Now, two of those noteworthy presents are on display at Buckingham Palace for the public to view, People reports.
What can visitors expect to see? A diamond-bedecked Cartier necklace, given to her by the Nizam of Hyderabad, is one precious gift in the latest exhibition at the monarch’s home in London. With a whopping 300 diamonds, the iconic accessory is an item that the Queen chose herself. While she didn't wear it on her wedding day, it is a piece she’s worn throughout her reign. Kate Middleton also wore the prized possession while attending the National Portrait Gallery in 2014 and Diplomatic Corps reception in 2019.
Another one of Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gifts that’s now on display at Buckingham Palace is the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Queen Mary first received the diamond crown on her wedding day in 1893, and she handed it down to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth, on her wedding day in 1947.
The exhibition, which the Royal Collection Trust organized to celebrate the Queen’s historic Platinum Jubilee, also contains several of the Queen’s most treasured jewels. Her famous diamond diadem, set with 1,333 diamonds and 169 pearls, is open for the public to see. Her Dorset brooch, Vladimir tiara, 8.8-carat Delhi Durbar diamond necklace, and sapphire and diamond Cartier bracelet from King George VI all make an appearance.
If you're eager to see some of the Queen's most stunning wedding gifts in person, know that you have a little time to plan your trip: While the exhibit opens tomorrow, July 22, 2022, the precious jewels will be on display until October 2.