Some have argued that it was an inheritance from Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyle, which I have questioned because I have never found any evidence that Princess Louise wore such a tiara. The second part of my thinking has been based on the fact that I had never seen any evidence that the tiara was worn until 1953. Based on that, I always wondered if the tiara was an inheritance from Queen Mary with the jewel having originated with Queen Alexandra who was reported to have worn a pearl and diamond tiara.
I have now found images of Princess Marina wearing the tiara in November 1951 -- which comprehensively debunks the idea that it was left to Princess Marina in Queen Mary's will.
Princess Marina wore the tiara to a charity film evening at the Odeon Theatre in November 1951.
Image from a Getty video
The Getty video
https://www.gettyimages.com.au/detail/video/lighted-marquee-at-night-over-odeon-theater-reads-where-news-footage/533130936?adppopup=true
I was able to find an image in a society magazine of the same event.
So far I haven't found any direct evidence that Princess Marina wore the tiara prior to November 1951. There are numerous references to her wearing a diamond and pearl tiara, which I have previously assumed referred to the "snake" diamond and pearl bandeau tiara.
One possible wearing might have been to a ball at Syon House in July 1951. Below is the description.
I am hesitant to say this is the Festoon tiara as the description might easily refer to the Fringe tiara she received as a wedding gift from the City of London. If the description included a reference to pearls, I wouldn't hesitate.
Hopefully, further searching will provide more clues.
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