Queen Sonja of Norway’s most glamorous tiaras, from the classical Queen Josefina’s Diamond Tiara to The Maltese Cross Tiara – but which stunning royal headpiece was stolen?

Ever since her marriage into the Norwegian royal family in 1968, Queen Sonja has excelled in her “first lady” role for the Scandinavian country with her unique Nordic glamour, personifying the country’s imperial heritage by wearing some truly exquisite tiaras. Why did Diana’s mum change the princess’ will after her death? Although the House of Glücksburg, the current imperial family of Norway, has had a history of less than 200 years, its collection of tiaras is intricately linked to some of the most prominent royal families in Europe. As the most representative member among the Norwegian royals, Queen Sonja selects her tiaras for important occasions not only based on their appearances, but also by taking into account the jewels’ symbolic significance. So what are some of the most stunning pieces in her collection? Norwegian Emerald Parure Tiara The storied Norwegian Emerald Parure Tiara can be traced back to Empress Joséphine, first wife of Napoleon, according to travel agency Daily Scandinavian. It’s said to have been crafted in the early 1800s by the fabled French house Bapst, the jeweller to Napoleon. It came to Norway by way of Sweden, through Empress Joséphine’s granddaughter, Queen Josephine (Josefina) of Sweden and Norway. The tiara, among the most magnificent ones for Queen Sonja’s exclusive use on the most important occasions, is encrusted with diamonds and large emeralds reportedly of Russian origin, featuring intricate details of cluster, festoon, anthemion, floral and scroll, according to The Court Jeweller. The 5 most expensive items on sale at Prince Charles’ Highgrove House shop Queen Josefina’s Diamond Tiara Queen Josefina of Sweden and Norway (1807 – 1876) also once wore this grand diamond tiara of her namesake. A painting depicts her wearing this distinctive jewel. The Queen Josefina’s Diamond Tiara is of a classical styling, featuring elaborate floral and laurel-wreath motifs, mounted on a diamond bandeau in gold and silver. Since Queen Sonja married into the Norwegian royal family, she has been the exclusive wearer of this impressive tiara since 1968, according to Daily Scandinavian. Not just Meghan Markle: 7 British royals who tried acting Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara The current Queen Maud’s Pearl Tiara is actually a replica. Queen Maud, then Princess Maud of Wales, received the original diamond and pearl tiara from her parents, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, upon her marriage to Prince Carl of Denmark in 1896. The British crown jeweller Garrards in London was the maker of that tiara. Prince Carl later became King Haakon VII of Norway, after the country’s national assembly dissolved Norway’s 91-year-old union with Sweden in 1905. Hats off: 10 of the most bizarre British royal wedding fascinators Queen Maud often wore this tiara after she became Queen of Norway. Queen Sonja inherited the use of this tiara and sent it to Garrards for valuation and maintenance in 1995 … but it was stolen from the jeweller’s store. Despite a substantial reward offering, the original tiara was never recovered. Garrards eventually made a replica to replace the stolen original. Queen Sonja is often photographed wearing the elegant piece. The Maltese Cross Tiara The Maltese Cross Tiara, composed of four detachable diamond Maltese crosses on a diamond bandeau frame, was commissioned by Queen Alexandra of the UK following the death of King Edward VII to replace the extraordinarily grand George IV Diamond Diadem. The tiara was later inherited by Queen Maud. Depending on her outfits, Queen Sonja has several ways of wearing this versatile tiara: she sometimes wears it with three crosses on the bandeau and the fourth one as a brooch, or she will just wear the diamond bandeau, favouring its simplicity in design. Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘Palace of Secrets’, The Carlyle Modern Gold Parure Tiara The decidedly contemporary Modern Gold Parure Tiara was a present from King Harald to Queen Sonja on her 60th birthday. This tiara is unconventional not just because it has mostly metal on display. It’s also highly versatile, thanks to several detachable centre pieces that are mounted respectively with diamonds, orange topaz and green tourmaline. Queen Sonja changes the centre pieces to match her outfits. Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.