Queen Elizabeth left behind a huge collection of jewellery, tiaras and brooches when she died on Thursday. Some of the items will remain part of the Crown Jewels on display at the Tower of London. Others are expected to pass to King Charles, Camilla, the queen consort and the newly named Princess of Wales Kate Middleton.
When King Charles III inherited a new title following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday, he likely also acquired the extensive collection of jewels, crown and brooch. Some of these objects will remain part of the Crown Jewels, a collection of royal ceremonial objects on public display at the Tower of London. However, the Queen’s private collection – worth millions of US dollars and consisting of family heirlooms, gifts and items bought by the monarch herself – is expected to be passed down to members of the Windsor family, starting with King Charles. “It’s possible that she would want to pass items from her private collection on to her loved ones,” royal commentator Josh Rohm told the New York Post. “Most of the collection will pass to Charles – with Camilla as his Queen consort – and then to Kate, so they may not have anything big left [in the will].” According to Vanity Fair, the royal collection began during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 1800s, when the former monarch began collecting jewelry during the expansion of the British Empire. The collection continued to grow during the reign of Queen Mary, who collected magnificent pieces during her travels around the world and through connections with jewelers and world leaders, Vanity Fair reported. Newly named Catherine, Princess of Wales, pictured on her wedding day in 2011. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Many of Queen Mary’s jewels were given to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, who then loaned various pieces during her 70 years on the throne. Among them, the Cartier Halo tiara containing 1,000 diamonds, worn by Kate Middleton at her wedding. Meghan Markle wore the Diamond Bandeau during her wedding, the New York Post reported. Rom told the Post that it is possible the Queen will bequeath these crowns to the same family members who borrowed them, but noted that if they remain in her will, the recipients will be required to pay 40% inheritance tax. The story continues Given the value of some of these items, he said it may be in the family’s best interest to leave the items as part of the royal collection. The Crown Jewels on display inside the Tower of London. Tim Graham/Getty Images Photo Library Read the original article on Business Insider
