Royal legacies: Princess Diana’s secret funds and the Dutch Stuart Diamond

Recent accounts have highlighted unique aspects of royal history, ranging from the personal habits of Princess Diana to the storied history of the Dutch royal jewels.

Former butler Paul Burrell revealed that Princess Diana maintained a secret stash of cash in a drawer at Kensington Palace. To fund extras for her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, Diana regularly sold designer outfits from brands such as Chanel, Versace, and Armani through trusted sources. These sales reportedly accumulated approximately 11,000 pounds, which she kept in an envelope rather than a bank account.

In the Netherlands, the history of the Stuart Diamond, a 40-carat blue gemstone, remains a focal point of the House of Orange-Nassau collection. Originally purchased by William III for Mary II in 1690, the stone has been a centerpiece of royal regalia. While Queen Beatrix kept the jewel secured in a vault during her reign, Queen Máxima has showcased the diamond, which was famously incorporated into a tiara for Queen Wilhelmina’s inauguration in 1898.