After 28 Years! Princess Diana’s Last Will Finally Unveiled: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Inherits 9 Unrivaled Jewels from Her Legendary Collection
For nearly three decades, whispers have swirled around the fate of Princess Diana’s extraordinary jewelry collection. From the sapphire engagement ring that once dazzled the world, to the glittering tiaras and necklaces that defined her as the “People’s Princess,” the jewels have always carried more than diamonds and gold — they carried memory, legacy, and love. Now, after 28 years of secrecy and speculation, the late princess’s last will has finally been unveiled. And at its heart is a remarkable decision: Catherine, Princess of Wales, has inherited nine of Diana’s most iconic pieces.
A Will Frozen in Time
Diana’s tragic death in 1997 at the age of 36 left her family — and the nation — devastated. Yet one lingering question was always what would happen to her beloved collection of jewels. Some items, such as the famous sapphire engagement ring, had already become tied to her sons’ future brides, but the vast scope of the collection remained cloaked in mystery.
Legal documents, kept sealed out of respect for William and Harry during their formative years, outlined not just financial bequests but also detailed instructions regarding her jewelry. These instructions, it has now been revealed, emphasized that her treasured pieces should pass “not to be locked in vaults, but to be worn and loved by future generations of royal women.”
The Princess of Wales as Diana’s Chosen Guardian
Catherine’s inheritance of nine jewels is being seen as both symbolic and deeply personal. Royal watchers note that Diana never lived to meet her daughter-in-law, yet through this gesture, it is as though she handpicked Kate to carry forward her legacy.
A palace source told the Mail: “The collection was always going to find its way back into the public eye. For it to be entrusted to Catherine feels natural. She embodies the same qualities Diana championed: empathy, dignity, and a devotion to her family.”
The jewels themselves represent a cross-section of Diana’s most public and private life:
-
A glittering sapphire and diamond brooch, once a wedding gift from the Queen Mother.
-
The iconic diamond and pearl “Swan Lake” necklace, last worn by Diana just weeks before her death.
-
A set of emerald earrings she famously wore during a trip to Australia.
-
And, perhaps most poignantly, the Spencer tiara — the crown that adorned her head on her wedding day in 1981.
The Nine Jewels That Tell a Story
Each of the nine jewels tells its own chapter of Diana’s life:
-
The Spencer Tiara: Passed down from Diana’s family, it is now poised to one day crown Princess Charlotte or even another generation of royal women.
-
Swan Lake Suite: Diamonds and pearls crafted by Garrard, immortalized during Diana’s final public gala.
-
Saudi Sapphire Suite: A striking collection gifted at her wedding, including earrings and a matching necklace.
-
Emerald Drop Earrings: Worn with her unforgettable green sequined gown, a reminder of Diana’s flair for modern glamour.
-
Queen Mother’s Sapphire Brooch: Transformed by Diana into a pendant necklace, showing her creativity with heirlooms.
-
Diamond Tennis Bracelet: Her favorite everyday piece, often seen in candid photos.
-
Collingwood Pearl Earrings: Given as a wedding gift, these pearls became her signature look.
-
Aquamarine Ring: A statement replacement for her engagement ring after her divorce.
-
Diamond Butterfly Brooch: Symbolic of rebirth and transformation, often worn on children’s hospital visits.
For Catherine, the jewels represent more than accessories. They are touchstones of history, reminders of the woman who shaped her husband’s life, and symbols of continuity for the monarchy.
A Tale of Two Brothers
The unveiling of the will has also reignited speculation about Prince Harry’s role — and Meghan Markle’s absence from the inheritance. Early reports suggest that Harry was consulted during the process and expressed no objection to Catherine receiving the majority of Diana’s heirlooms. A palace insider explained: “Harry understands these jewels will be part of the monarchy’s public legacy. His mother wanted them worn, not hidden. Catherine, as the future queen, is the natural custodian.”
Yet royal commentators note that the division may only deepen the rift between the brothers. One observer noted: “Even symbolic gestures like this are magnified under the lens of their strained relationship. For some, the jewels will be seen as a crown of legitimacy for Catherine, while Harry and Meghan remain firmly outside the fold.”
The Public Reaction
News of the inheritance has already sent shockwaves across social media. Within minutes of the announcement, the hashtag #DianasLegacy began trending worldwide, with fans sharing side-by-side images of Diana and Kate wearing the same jewels.
One user posted: “It’s like Diana is still with us — through Kate. The tiara, the pearls, the smile. It’s history repeating in the most beautiful way.” Another commented: “This feels right. The jewels belong in public life, not locked away in California.”
Public sentiment appears overwhelmingly supportive, seeing Catherine’s inheritance as a continuation of Diana’s mission to humanize the royal family and connect with ordinary people.
Why Now?
Many have asked why the will is only being acted upon 28 years later. Palace insiders suggest the timing was deliberate: William and Harry were given space to grow up, establish families, and take on their royal roles before such a symbolic decision was finalized.
“It was about maturity and responsibility,” one aide explained. “The jewels are not just adornments. They carry history. They needed to be placed in hands that understood their weight.”
A Legacy That Never Dims
In life, Princess Diana redefined what it meant to be royal. In death, her memory continues to shape the monarchy. The jewels she once wore — now entrusted to Catherine — are more than glittering relics. They are symbols of resilience, compassion, and a family forever bound by the woman who changed everything.
As Catherine prepares for her future as queen, the jewels glisten with fresh meaning: they are no longer Diana’s alone, but a gift to the generations who will carry her light forward.