Once again, Princess Victoria wore her beloved Laurel Wreath Tiara at the Representationsmiddag. What many don’t know is that this piece of jewelry hides a forbidden love story from the Swedish royal court.
As the future Queen of Sweden, Princess Victoria, 47, not only has duties but can also enjoy certain privileges. One of these is the possession of valuable crown jewels, which have a long tradition in the Swedish royal family. Among Victoria’s favorite pieces is the Laurel Wreath Tiara. This heirloom belonged to her beloved great-aunt, Princess Lilian, †97, who had to wait a long time before she was allowed to wear the tiara at public appearances.
Princess Victoria: Her Laurel Wreath Tiara Holds a Rich History
Princess Victoria’s favorite tiara consists of two diamond laurel branches—one arranged in a slight triangle, while the other rests atop the crown of the head. A large diamond hangs in the center. The tiara was originally created as a necklace in 1905 by the French jeweler Boucheron, as a wedding gift for Victoria’s great-grandmother, Princess Margaret, †38. After her passing, Margaret’s son, Prince Bertil, †84, inherited the precious piece of jewelry.
Bertil met the love of his life, Lilian Davies, during World War II, but he was not allowed to make their relationship public, as Lilian had no noble title and was also divorced. As a loyal member of the royal family, he renounced marriage so that, if necessary, he could take his place in the Swedish line of succession. It was only after King Carl Gustaf was crowned and had himself married a commoner that Prince Bertil was finally able to marry the love of his life in 1976. Until then, Princess Lilian was not permitted to participate in public appearances of the Swedish royal family. As a result, the Laurel Wreath Tiara went unworn for many years.
With her wedding, Lilian took on her royal representation duties and was frequently seen wearing the precious headpiece.
Princess Victoria had a close relationship with her great-aunt. In 2013, she cut short her ski vacation in Switzerland as soon as she heard about Lilian’s health problems, so she could say goodbye to her. Princess Lilian left parts of her estate to various members of the royal family. King Carl Gustaf received paintings and drawings, Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine inherited jewelry, and Prince Carl Philip had already inherited their Stockholm villa after Bertil’s death. However, what stands out the most is that Crown Princess Victoria was given two of Lilian’s tiaras—pieces she still treasures to this day.
A Piece of Jewelry with Emotional Value
While crown jewels are valuable in a material sense, the emotional value of the Laurel Wreath Tiara surpasses its worth. Princess Victoria frequently chooses to wear this heirloom at public events. It was used at the Nobel Prize dinner in 2017, 2019, and 2024. She also wore it at her sister Princess Madeleine’s wedding in 2013 and at the banquet honoring King Carl Gustaf’s 70th birthday. It is a heartfelt gesture that symbolizes how her beloved great-aunt is always with her at important occasions.
