Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Why Princess Anne's ex-daughter-in-law Autumn wasn't allowed to keep wedding tiara

Peter Phillips married in 2008

princess anne autumn wedding
Nichola Murphy
Deputy Lifestyle Editor
Share this:

When Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips married Autumn Kelly on 17 May 2008, The Princess Royal gifted the bride a dazzling tiara to wear to walk down the aisle - but she wasn't allowed to keep it. 

RELATED: Why Princess Anne got to wear a tiara before her wedding day

The gorgeous Festoon Tiara was loaned to the blushing bride - a piece which was gifted to Princess Anne in 1973 by the World-Wide Shipping Group, and it completed Autumn's bridal look. She wore a wedding dress by British designer Sassi Holford, which consisted of a fitted bodice made of hand-beaded lace, a silk Duchesse skirt and a beaded French lace shrug.

"Doing such a gown does kind of encompass all the emotions the bride feels on her day – I was excited, then terribly nervous, then full of joy," the designer told HELLO!.

WATCH: Peter and Autumn Phillips Split - details

The Queen's daughter has since been pictured wearing the sparkling tiara on numerous occasions, including during a banquet at the Guildhall in 2017 when she paired it with the matching necklace.

MORE: Autumn Phillips' living arrangements after divorce from Peter – details

READ: Queen's grandson Peter Phillips' ex-wife Autumn finds new love

autumn phillips tiara

Autumn Phillips wearing Princess Anne's tiara on her wedding day

However, the Festoon Necklace was nowhere to be seen on Autumn's wedding day. Instead, the bride accessorised with pearl earrings and a matching necklace, which Peter had sent to her at Windsor Castle the night before their nuptials.

peter autumn wedding

The couple got married at St George's Chapel in 2008

Peter met Autumn at the 2003 Montreal Grand Prix, but it was about six weeks before she found out that her new love was Queen Elizabeth's grandson. 

They tied the knot at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in 2008, in front of royals such as Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Zara Tindall who acted as bridesmaid, as well as Autumn’s family who flew in from her home country of Canada.

peter and autumn phillips with children

Peter and Autumn announced their separation in 2020

The couple went on to welcome children Savannah and Isla, who were born in 2010 and 2012 respectively, and lived nearby to Princess Anne on her Gatcombe Park estate.

However, Peter and Autumn announced their split in February 2020 and they were officially divorced on Monday 14 June 2021.

SEE: 11 stunning royal wedding hair and makeup looks that will inspire future brides

Make sure you never miss a ROYAL story! Sign up to our newsletter to get all of our celebrity, royal and lifestyle news delivered directly to your inbox.

More Weddings

See more