I wonder where that rumour commenced? It has become such an entrenched aspect of the British royal jewels circuit that I am tempted to classify it as a classic furphy.
I cannot see any support for the story that the King had reservations about his Queen wearing inherited jewels.
Although the Greville jewels were left to QEQM in 1942, during the war HM did not wear grand jewels and it was only, gradually, after the war that she began to be seen with many of her splendid jewels, including some of the Greville jewels. I would argue that, it was the war, not any qualms on the part of the King, which meant the jewels were not initially worn in public.
As we now know from Roberts QEQM initially wore the Greville tiara in public during the South African tour of 1947. She then wore the Greville tiara and necklace for State Visits in the early 1950s.
Danish State Visit 18 March 1950
State Visit from the Netherlands 1950. HM wearing the Greville tiara and the Greville 5 strand necklace.
QEQM wearing the Greville emeralds in public during the life time of King George VI
Source Illustrated London News 10 Sept 1949
Until we can identify other jewels as belonging to the Greville collection, we cannot be sure of when HM first wore other Greville jewels in public, but what we do know (as stated by Roberts) is that the King and Queen gave QEII several other pieces as presents during the King's life time. 1. The Ivy leaf brooches for her 21st birthday. 2. The Greville chandelier earrings for her wedding as well as 3 The Greville ruby necklace.
Why this persistent myth has arisen is something which can only be speculated about, but there seems to be no substance to it.
I don't know what the ladies' magazines in the UK were saying, but the leading Australian ladies' magazine of the time seemed to be leading readers to expect to see some of Mrs Greville's jewels being worn by both QEQM and QEII.
--Previous Message-- : I seem to recall reading that His Majesty was : uncomfortable with the bequest and that most : of the pieces were not worn by QEQM in : deference to his wishes. Most of the items : only appeared after the death of the King. : : --Previous Message-- : As far as I know, the Queen Mother is not : known to have worn these spectacular : earrings. : : : : :