My 10 Favourite Swedish Tiaras

- Ipshita Rhea Peters

It’s not easy writing a blog post when the only instructions given are, and I quote: "Write anything you please. Just mention the royals somewhere."

As it turns out, I will be writing about the royals. Specifically, the Swedish royal family. My knowledge on this subject isn't nearly as vast as Nikita’s, but my love for all things Swedish and sparkly does leave me with enough data to compile a list of my 10 favourite Swedish tiaras.

So. Without further ado.

10. Swedish Diamond Bandeau Tiara

A Bandeau, but definition, is a narrow band worn on the head to hold the hair in place, which makes it more of a fancy headband than a tiara. Whichever the case, it is undeniably pleasing to look at.

Important Appearance : 2008 Nobel Prize Gala Dinner. Worn by Crown Princess Victoria. 

9. King Edward VII Ruby Tiara 

This tiara was a gift from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra to Princess Margaret of Connaught, on her wedding to Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden. After her death, it was inherited by her son Prince Sigvard, who later sold it to king Gustaf VI Adolf. Since then, Queen Silvia has worn it on multiple occasions.

Important Appearance : The wedding of Prince Joachim of Denmark and Alexandra Manley, 1995. Worn by Queen Silva. 

8. Baden Fringe Tiara 

Popularly dubbed as the Crown Princess’ signature tiara, the Baden Fringe is yet another wedding gift. Given to Queen Victoria of Sweden by her parents (Grand Dude and Duchess of Baden) for her wedding to Crown Prince Gustaf of Sweden in 1881, the tiara was left to a family foundation, and has since been worn by many members of the family. Recently, it has been primarily used by the Crown Princess.

Important Appearance : Nobel Prize Banquet 2014. Worn by Crown Princess Victoria 

7. Six Button Tiara

This particular tiara is of immense historical importance to the royal family. The buttons on the tiara were part of the crown of King Carl XIV Johan, used for his coronation in 1818. These 10 buttons were later removed an used to create two separate tiaras: the Six Button Tiara and the Four Button Tiara. The Six Button was allegedly intended for Princess Lilian, wife of Prince Bertil, but has been used by many royal ladies over the years.

Important Appearance : 2011 Nobel Prize Awards. Worn by Crown Princess Victoria. 

6. Braganza Tiara 

[As worn by Queen Silvia, left]

This French tiara belonged to Amélie of Brazil, wife of the Duke of Braganza. After her death in 1873, it was inherited by her sister, Queen Josephine of Sweden, and has remained in the family ever since. The Braganza has traditionally been worn by Queens, except once in 1937 by Crown Princess Louise. Recently, Queen Silvia has been using it exclusively for state visits and official portraits. 

Important Appearance : Queen Elizabeth II’s state visit to Sweden. Worn by Queen Silvia. 

5. Swedish Laurel Wreath Tiara 

Made in Boucheron, the Laurel Wreath is popularly remembered as one of Princess Lilian’s signature pieces. Another wedding gift, it was given to Princess Margaret of Connaught by her grandmother-in-law, Queen Sophia of Sweden, and was later passed on to Prince Bertil. It was frequently used by Princess Lilian.

Important Appearance : King Gustaf VI Adolf’s birthday, 1962. Worn by Princess Lilian. 

4. Modern Fringe Tiara 

One of the more recent additions to the family’s jewels, the Modern Fringe can be worn as either a tiara or a necklace. Although the personal property of Queen Silvia, it was allegedly a 10th anniversary gift from King Carl Gustaf. It has since been one of Princess Madeline’s favourite tiaras. 

Important Appearance : Princess Madeline’s Wedding, 2013. Worn by the bride. 

3. Leuchtenberg Tiara 

A wedding girt from Napoléon to Princess Augusta of Bavaria, Duchess of Leuchtenberg, on her marriage to Eugène de Beauharnais, this tiara has been a regular guest at Nobel Prize ceremonies. It was inherited by Josephine’s daughter Augusta, the Queen Consort of Oscar I of Sweden, as has been frequently used by Queen Silvia. Currently , it is part of a parure of jewellery, including earrings, a brooch, a necklace, and two hairpins.

Important Appearance : 2011 Nobel Prize Banquet. Worn by Queen Silvia. 

2. Connaught Tiara

Known as Princess Sibylla’s Tiara, this tiara is yet another wedding gift for Princess Margret by her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. It was inherited by her son Gustaf Adolf, who later gave it to his wife, Princess Sibylla, as a wedding present. The Connaught Tiara was later worn by many royals, including Queen Silvia on her first public appearance.

Important Appearance : Crown Princess’s Victoria’s Wedding, 2010. Worn by Princess Madeline. 

1. Cameo Tiara 

The Cameo tiara is not at the top of this list because of fine looks or craftsmanship (although it certainly lacks in neither of the two), but due to its significance in the family’s history.

One of the oldest jewels in the family, the Cameo Tiara was a gift to Empress Joséphine by her husband, Napoleon, in the early 1800s, back when such tiaras were more popular. It was inherited by her granddaughter, Josephine of Leuchtenberg, who brought it to Sweden through her marriage to King Oscar I of Sweden and Norway. The tiara was then passed through many royals- Princess Eugénie, Princess Margaret, Princess Sibylla, Queen Ingrid of Denmark- until it finally came to rest with the current King of Sweden.

Traditionally, the tiara has been used as a wedding crown. It was worn by Princess Brigitta and Princess Désirée on their wedding days, in 1961 and 1964 respectively. Later, the current Queen wore it for her marriage to King Carl Gustaf in 1976. To further the tradition, Crown Princess Victoria wore it for her wedding to Daniel Westling.

Seen on the head of any Swedish royal, this tiara can cause any fan (myself included) to break down into tears. A symbol of power and heritage, the Cameo certainly fits the wedding tradition of wearing "something borrowed."

Important Appearance : Crown Princess Victoria’s Wedding, 2010. Worn by the bride.

~

Contrary to what Ipshita thinks, she actually knows a lot more about Sweden's Royal Family and their tiaras than I do, but who am I to tell her that she's wrong.

This is truly the pièce de résistance of all the guest posts on my blog. Not only is it so obviously about royalty that you couldn't possibly think otherwise, but TIARAS!

The Swedish Royal Family is so appropriate for a tiara post, because their collection of tiaras is not only gorgeous, but also vast, which means that there's a tiara in there for everyone. And the best part is that this post comes a week before Prince Carl Gustaf's wedding to Sofia Hellqvist - a perfect occasion for the ladies of the family to bring out their tiaras in all their splendour.

Ipshita has her own blog, Euphoniour, on which she writes poems and posts about music and her dog (You can read that by clicking HERE). Apart from the Swedish Royal Family, she loves Gerard Way, and Maggie Stiefvater, so if you have that in common with her, you can follow Ipshita on Twitter or on Pinterest.

She also has the most adorable pet squirrel.

N

Blog Award?

I'm back!

And I'm interrupting this series of guest posts (which, hopefully, you've been enjoying, or at least reading) because I have been nominated for a blog award.

Weird as it sounds, it's true. My friend Ipshita nominated me for the Liebster Award. You can read more about the Award and its rules on her blog, Euphoniour, but basically what I have to do is answer 11 questions which she set for me, and then nominated some more people to answer some more questions. I don't understand how you actually win this award, but I like Ipshita's questions, and I want to answer them, so here goes.

1. If you could bring anyone back from the dead, who would it be, and why?

Probably King Richard III. I love him, and I feel bad that he had his head smashed in when he was only 32, but that's not the only reason. I'd really like to know what happened to the Princes in the Tower - it's one of the greatest mysteries of all time, and one of my personal favourites - and if anyone knows, it's Richard.

In fictional characters, Dobby. Definitely Dobby.

2. What era would you like to live in, and why?

The early 20th century. For many reasons. It's far enough in history that not many people living remember it, and yet close enough to the present era that modern inventions were starting to appear and people weren't dying of the plague (Other things, certainly, but not the plague). People lived like they do on Downton Abbey, the plane was invented, it was a great time for women's rights, Russia still had an Imperial Family, and most importantly, two World Wars happened.

Strange as it may seem, wars are actually my favourite part of history. Though it is a horrible, terrible thing, war always seems to bring out the best in people. And there is nothing better than a well-told wartime story. 

3. Which character from a book or TV series would you date?

This is such a hard question. Perhaps the most difficult question I've ever had to answer (Apart from 'Who's your favourite royal couple?'). Because every single time I read a book or watch a TV show, I fall in love with one of the characters. It doesn't take much - one cleverly placed quip or a handsome face, and I'm smitten. As a result, the answer to this particular question changes every month or so. 

At present, I'd have to say, from a book, Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest, and from a TV series, Matthew Crawley from Downton Abbey. 

4. Why did you start this blog?

Because my previous one was rubbish, and I was thoroughly ashamed that I could have ever been that stupid. 

5. Describe your blog in six words.

On my passport, it says Poppy. 

[This has nothing to do with my blog whatsoever, but at the moment, I am absolutely obsessed with Almost Royal. 

For context, because I'm sure that most of you haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, watch this video from about the 4 minute mark. In fact, if you have the time to spare, watch the whole thing because it is absolutely brilliant. Poppy Carlton is my hero.]

6. If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

Do a better job of brushing your teeth, because somehow you end up with a lot of cavities and your dentist hates you. Also, no matter what you think, you don't get any less awkward as you grow older. Even as an adult, there are 14 year-olds with more poise and confidence than you.

7. What motivates you?

Deadlines. And the desire to be better than other people, but mostly deadlines.

8. What is the best movie you have ever seen, and why?

The Lion King, without a trace of doubt. It is the best movie that Disney has made, and literally everything about it is flawless. It has a fabulous troupe of people doing the voices, great, great soundtrack, Shakespearean influences, an amazing love story, a powerful, positive message, and the best animated lions that I have seen in my life.

9. What is the first thing you notice about people?

Their accent. Or, if I'm in their house, what the hand soap in their bathroom smells like. 

10. What are the three features you admire most in people?

Intelligence, kindness, and individuality. 

11. If you could have lunch with any person in history, who would it be, and what would you talk about?

Definitely, one hundred percent, the Duchess of Cambridge. I'd touch her hair and tell her how awesome she is, and then we'd talk about George and Charlotte. Well, she'd talk - I'd just stare at her, dumbstruck.

Or, if the Duchess of Cambridge doesn't technically qualify as a 'person in history' because she's from right now, I'd have lunch with Elizabeth Woodville. And then put poison in her soup, because I'm evil that way.

~

Thanks to Ipshita, for giving me this set of questions and something to do with my time. Her guest post from my blog (I won't tell you what it's about, because spoilers, but I think you'll love it) is coming out this Saturday, so do read that.

I have very few friends to begin with, and even fewer friends with a blog, and because Ipshita nominated practically all of them in her post, I don't have anyone left to nominate. So, I won't. I will end this branch of the challenge here, just like Edward, Earl of Warwick ended the Plantagenet dynasty in the male line by... well, dying. 

I'll leave you with that cheerful thought.

N