
Today’s article at Hidden Gems takes us to Lisbon in January 1905, when the Portuguese royals hosted the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and their daughters for an intriguing official visit. As a bonus today, I’ve got a roundup of some of my past articles dedicated to the former royal tiaras of Portugal.

A Crown Prince in Portugal: The Courtship of Princesses Margaret and Patricia of Connaught (Part 2)
[Hidden Gems exclusive]
King Edward VII, eager to reinforce ties with allies across an increasingly divided Europe, was keen for his eligible nieces to make glittering diplomatic marriages. But first, the princesses would have to meet their potential suitors.

It seems like all the world is decorated with holiday stars these days, so I thought it was only appropriate to feature one of the starriest and spangliest tiaras that ever graced a royal head: the star tiara of Queen Maria Pia of Portugal. Worn in various forms during the last years of the Portuguese monarchy, the Diadem of the Stars is now a part of the Portuguese Crown Jewels.

Queen Maria II’s Sapphire and Diamond Tiara
Sold at Christie’s in 2021, this fascinating diamond and sapphire tiara belonged to a Portuguese queen who had not one but two turbulent reigns.

Princess Isabel’s Brazilian Imperial Bandeau Tiara
In July 2011, royals from around the world descended on Monaco for the wedding celebrations of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. Among these were numerous members of royal families that no longer have thrones. The former royal family of Portugal was represented by the Duke and Duchess of Braganza.

A Grand Heirloom Wedding Tiara for a Portuguese Royal Bride
Infanta Maria Francisca de Braganza, the 26-year-old daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Braganza, married Duarte de Sousa Araújo Martins in a ceremony held in the basilica at the Palace of Mafra in October 2023.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.