Forming the centrepiece of the diamond bandeau tiara worn by Meghan Markle on her wedding to Prince Harry in May was a detachable diamond brooch. The brooch was presented 125 years ago to Princess May* of Teck, the queen’s grandmother, by Lord Brownlow on behalf of the county of Lincoln. The brooch is being recreated, to be set in a similar tiara and will be on display in Lincoln Castle later this summer.
“LINCOLNSHIRE’S PRESENT.– On Wednesday, July 5th, Earl Brownlow, Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, with the Countess Brownlow, waited on H.S.H. Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (now the Duchess of York) at Buckingham Palace to present, on behalf of the county of Lincoln, the county wedding gift, consisting of a large single diamond surrounded by other fine diamonds. The jewel was enclosed in a case of ‘Lincoln green’ with the arms of the county, and quotation from the late Lord Tennyson, the great Lincolnshire poet, “God bless ’em. Marriages are made in Heaven.” The gift was most graciously received and greatly admired by Her Serene Highness, who expressed her warm appreciation of the kind and loyal feeling which prompted the gift.”
Stamford Mercury, 14th July 1893
* Informally known as “Princess May” after the month in which she was born.