ANTIQUE DIAMOND FLOWER SPRAY TIARA -
The then Countess of Harewood (neé Maria Donata (Marion)
Stein), who married the 7th Earl of Harewood in 1949, is seen here
wearing a diamond spray necklace and tiara at the Royal Opera House
on the evening of 8 June 1953. The event was the first performance
of "Gloriana" the opera written by Benjamin Britten, who
was a close friend of the Harewoods. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh
attended the opening night along with almost all the members of
the immediate and extended Royal Family. It was a truly glittering
affair.
The tiara is also wearable as a brooch garland on her bodice. The
picture at left, which was taken on 1 June 1956, shows her wearing
the tiara as a brooch while the background picture is from the coronation
of Queen Elisabeth II in 1953.
Sources: "The Tongs and the Bones - the Memoirs
of Lord Harewood" Danke an Jerker Feuk; The Times 09 Jun 1953,;
pathway, gettyimages
