Helen was the elder sister of Irene not cousin. Irene's tiara which she had inherited from her mother Queen Sophie whose mother the Empress Frederick had received it as a wedding present from her mother Queen Victoria in 1857.Sadly it was sold after Irene's death. Helen wears the long diamond chain originally bought from Cartier by Nancy Leeds...later part exchanged back it was then sold with a 438 carat sapphire drop to Queen Marie of Romania. Marie may have left the chain and drop to Her daughter in law Helen or the drop to grandson Michael....whatever Michaels bride wore the chain on her wedding day in 1949 and in the early 1980s it was still in her possesion (though in dismantled form) the sapphire was sold about the time of King Michaels exile.
--Previous Message-- : They are Queen Helen of Romania (1896-1982), : her cousin, Princess Irene, Duchess of Aosta : (nee Princess of Greece, 1904-1974) and : Queen Helen's son, King Michael of Romania. : Queen Helen's tiara still belongs to the : Romanian Royal Family and King Michael's : eldest daughter, Margarita, often wears it : during various gala events. : : --Previous Message-- : Tamara, this is such a wonderful mixture of : pictures! I'm perishing of curiosity about : the 4th picture: can anyone give me : background on these lovely ladies, their : jewels, or the occasion? Gorgeous. Those : were the days, indeed. : : --Previous Message-- : random pictures...I think we can have some : interesting conversations : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :