What makes a queen? The title, the throne, the palace, those are all shared with a king or monarch. But the jewels? Those are truly and entirely her own, unless, of course, she chooses to share and pass them on as heirlooms. Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, one of the longest reigns of any British monarch, and the second-longest verified reign in world history. In her remarkable 96-year lifetime, this exemplary ruler didn’t own just a couple of trinkets, but over 200 pieces of jewelry. Each more breathtaking than the last, her enviable collection included 98 brooches, 34 pairs of earrings, 14 watches, 46 necklaces, 15 rings, and five pendants, worth several hundred million euros.
The Queen passed many of these glittering treasures to the women in her family, with Camilla, now Queen Consort, receiving first access to the royal vault. Still, it’s the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, who reportedly inherited the most valuable part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewels, according to The Sun. While Middleton’s inheritance may total just 10 pieces, it is said to be worth a staggering $87 million and includes some of the most iconic and jaw-dropping pieces from the collection.
One standout is the $74 million Hyderabad Necklace, a wedding gift in 1947 from the Nizam of Hyderabad, then one of the richest men in the world. Crafted by Cartier in 1935, this royal favorite features 50 large diamonds arranged in an intricate floral flamboyance that simply cannot be replicated. Kate has worn the necklace at a National Portrait Gallery gala in 2014 and again at a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace in 2019.
Also making its way into Kate’s collection is the George VI Festoon Necklace, which she wore for the official portraits taken during King Charles III’s coronation. That necklace alone is valued at $3 million. Other pieces reportedly include a pair of leaf-shaped diamond earrings and a matching brooch, valued at $50,000.
While associating a queen with her jewels might seem predictable, or even belittling, it’s impossible to ignore the things that truly defined Queen Elizabeth II. A lifelong equestrian, she was deeply passionate about horse racing and owned hundreds of thoroughbreds. And who can forget her beloved corgis?
If the Queen were ever asked about her most treasured possessions, chances are her answer wouldn’t glitter. She was, after all, a woman who trained as a military mechanic and driver during WWII, and had a well-known penchant for Land Rovers. Behind the public image and stoic demeanor was a sentimental soul who kept personal photo albums, filled with childhood snaps, family moments, and behind-the-scenes memories.
When you look beyond the diamonds and tiaras, queens often shine brightest for who they are, not just what they wore.
