The Royals’ Most Prized Possessions Are Leaving the Rest of Us in Awe

What does the world’s most photographed family keep behind closed doors? Not just shiny crowns and jewels, but objects far more curious—some sentimental, some scandalous, some utterly unexpected. The British royals have amassed a treasure trove of possessions that reveal more than any official portrait ever could. That one revenge dress that sparked front-page headlines? You’d never guess how much it would take to hang it in your own closet. Peek inside, but tread carefully—these most prized possessions will make you realize how broke the rest of the world seems to be.

The Queen’s Signature Handbag

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1950s
Estimated Value: $2,700–$4,200 per bag

Queen Elizabeth II’s Launer handbag became her almost inseparable companion. “She doesn’t feel dressed without a bag,” Launer CEO Gerald Bodmer once explained, referencing her signature structured style.

The Queen’s preferred Traviata model is handmade in London and completed in over eight hours. Despite luxury materials, she demanded simplicity. No zippers, no nonsense needed, only quiet sovereignty.

Although rumored to own over 200, Bodmer clarified she owned fewer than a dozen and reused them frequently. Even queens, it seems, enjoy the thrill of a good repeat outfit.

Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring

Owned by: Catherine, Princess of Wales
Owned since: 2010 (originally Diana’s from 1981)
Estimated Value: $400,000–$500,000

Originally chosen by Princess Diana from a Garrard catalog in 1981, the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds became one of the most recognizable rings in history.

Though unconventional for not being custom-made, Diana’s ring broke tradition and captivated the world. When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, he gave her the iconic heirloom.

Garrard appraises the ring today at around $400,000–$500,000. It’s more than a piece of jewelry—it’s a direct thread connecting two generations of royal love and loss.

Prince William’s Motorcycle

Owned by: Prince William
Owned since: 2008
Estimated Value: $15,000–$20,000

Prince William’s black Ducati 1198 was a surprise to some, but longtime royal watchers knew his love for motorbikes. He was often spotted riding incognito through London traffic.

Purchased in 2008 for around £15,000, the Ducati quickly became tabloid fodder. One photographer called it “the stealthiest thing in Kensington.” His security detail wasn’t nearly as thrilled.

Now used sparingly after becoming a father, the bike remains in his collection. It symbolizes a flash of adrenaline beneath a lifetime of crown-shaped responsibility.

The Queen’s Coronation Dress

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1953
Estimated Value: $1,000,000+

Designed by Norman Hartnell, the coronation gown was a masterpiece of embroidery, featuring floral emblems of the Commonwealth. Its silk, satin, and crystal beading took eight months to complete.

The Royal Collection Trust describes it as “one of the most important examples of twentieth-century ceremonial dress.” Due to its unmatched historical value, its estimated worth exceeds $1 million.

The gown was worn six times after the coronation, showcasing the Queen’s characteristic thrift and attachment to legacy. It now resides at Windsor Castle under tightly controlled preservation conditions.

Windsor Castle

Owned by: King Charles III (held in trust for the Crown)
Owned since: 11th century
Estimated Value: Priceless (estimated property value $300–$500 million)

Windsor Castle is the world’s longest-occupied palace. Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has survived sieges, fires, and royal tantrums of every imaginable scale.

Technically held in trust for the nation, the royal family treats Windsor as a true home. Queen Elizabeth spent most of her weekends there, especially during her final years.

While its cultural value is beyond measure, estate experts estimate its market value between $300 and $500 million, though a crown, an army, and Parliament would be needed to buy it.

Prince Harry’s Apache Pilot Helmet

Owned by: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Owned since: 2012
Estimated Value: $5,000–$10,000

As a fully qualified Apache helicopter co-pilot gunner, Prince Harry wore a custom helmet fitted with night-vision optics, GPS integration, and battlefield communications during his second tour in Afghanistan.

He served with the Army Air Corps’s 662 Squadron and logged over 2,500 flying hours. His helmet remains military property but was custom-fitted and later symbolically retired.

Collectors place the value of such gear—especially with royal ties—between $5,000 and $10,000. But for Harry, it remains a powerful symbol of service beyond ceremony.

Prince Philip’s Custom-Made Carriage

Owned by: Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Owned since: circa 2013 (final design updates)
Estimated Value: $200,000+

The Duke of Edinburgh’s final carriage wasn’t decorative—it was his design, his passion. Built by the Royal Mews, it featured dark green panels and ergonomic reins for active driving.

Inside, a brass cavalry clock from his old regiment was mounted. The carriage reflected Philip’s military past, minimalist taste, and enduring love for equestrian sports.

Carriage experts estimate bespoke royal vehicles like this can cost upwards of $200,000. In Philip’s case, the true value was personal—practical elegance with a royal legacy in tow.

Queen Elizabeth’s Pearl Necklace Trio

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1952 (worn since childhood)
Estimated Value: $500,000–$1 million

The Queen was rarely seen without her signature three-strand pearl necklace—a gift originally commissioned by her father, King George VI, and worn since she was a young princess.

Crafted with perfectly matched natural pearls, the necklace symbolized her elegance and steadfast image. She owned several nearly identical versions for state and daily wear.

Pearl experts value the necklace between $500,000 and $1 million. More than an accessory, it was a quiet uniform of dignity, duty, and deeply personal sentiment.

Balmoral Castle

Owned by: King Charles III (inherited from Queen Elizabeth II)
Owned since: 1852
Estimated Value: Priceless (property value estimated at $150 million)

Purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria, Balmoral has been the royal family’s most personal retreat for generations. Diana once called it “paradise with tartan curtains and terrible plumbing.”

Though Crown-owned estates like Windsor are national properties, Balmoral is privately held. Its land alone—over 50,000 acres—is estimated to be worth more than $150 million.

During a public tour, King Charles reportedly joked, “Keep the grouse away from Camilla’s flowers,” a glimpse into the royal family’s relaxed and surprisingly humorous Scottish lifestyle.

Sandringham Estate

Owned by: King Charles III (inherited from Queen Elizabeth II)
Owned since: 1862
Estimated Value: $65–$80 million

Queen Victoria purchased Sandringham for her son, the future Edward VII, and it has remained privately owned by the monarch ever since. It is not a Crown Estate property.

The estate comprises over 20,000 acres of woodlands, gardens, and working farms. It also includes a museum, a church, and several tenant cottages. Estimates place its property value around $65 to $80 million.

Queen Elizabeth II spent every Christmas there, solidifying its sentimental weight. King Charles now uses the estate to promote sustainable agriculture, merging tradition with organic ambition.

The 1933 Rolls‑Royce Phantom II

Owned by: Royal Household
Owned since: 1933
Estimated Value: $271,000 (range: $35,000–$500,000+)

Commissioned in the twilight years of King George V’s reign, this Phantom II exudes understated power. Its sweeping fenders and custom coachwork defined the royal standard in pre-war ceremonial motoring.

According to Bonhams and RM Sotheby’s, similar 1933 models have auctioned for as high as $500,000, depending on provenance, rarity, and restoration quality. Royals don’t do factory-standard.

It was no mere showpiece—used for state visits and military reviews, the Phantom II carried monarchs with grace and gravitas, humming softly beneath heraldic standards.

The Royal Train

Owned by: Royal Household
Owned since: 1842 (modern version in use since 1977)
Estimated Value: $20 million+

The Royal Train first rolled out in 1842 with Queen Victoria aboard. The current model, updated in the 1970s, features sleeping cabins, a dining room, and bulletproof windows.

You won’t see it being used so often, but it remains a regal alternative to air travel. The Queen favored it for overnight trips to Scotland, and Charles occasionally uses it for sustainable outreach tours.

Operating costs exceed $1.5 million annually, and refurbishing expenses sparked criticism. Still, it’s hard to put a price on the world’s only rolling royal residence.

Diana’s Swan Lake Necklace

Owned by: Princess Diana
Owned since: 1997
Estimated Value: $12,000,000

Worn at a Royal Albert Hall performance of Swan Lake just before her death, this Garrard necklace featured 178 diamonds and five matching South Sea pearls—elegance at its most regal.

Unfortunately, the earrings were unfinished when she passed away, but the necklace alone has been dubbed “the last jewels Diana ever wore,” increasing its symbolic and market value.

The set, once auctioned in 2017, was valued at $12 million. Crafted with swan-like grace and poignant history, it’s more than jewelry—it’s a farewell frozen in diamonds.

The Queen’s Scarves by Hermès

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1950s
Estimated Value: $1,200–$2,500 each

Queen Elizabeth II’s love of Hermès scarves was iconic. Often seen tied neatly under her chin at horse races, the silk squares became as signature as her handbags and hats.

She reportedly owned dozens, many bespoke, including a 90cm print featuring her own horses and carriages. Hermès confirmed she had them commissioned for personal use and royal gifts.

While standard editions retail at $600–$1,200, the Queen’s monogrammed and custom pieces are estimated between $2,000 and $2,500 each, especially if they bear fold lines from Sandringham.

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Owned by: Royal Family (retired from service in 1997)
Owned since: 1954
Estimated Value: $20 million (historic valuation)

Commissioned in 1954, the Royal Yacht Britannia served as a floating palace for over 40 years. It hosted 968 official voyages and dignitaries from Churchill to Mandela.

The ship was decommissioned in 1997 due to budget constraints, sparking visible emotion from the Queen. It now resides in Edinburgh as a museum, drawing nearly 400,000 visitors annually.

Built for £2.1 million (about $60 million today), it’s valued at $20 million for its historic prestige. Few vessels blend teak decks with tea service like Britannia once did.

The Queen’s Gold State Coach

Owned by: British Crown Estate
Owned since: 1762 (used by Queen Elizabeth II since 1953)
Estimated Value: $3–$4 million

Commissioned during George III’s reign and used for every coronation since 1831, the Gold State Coach is an eight-horse, 24-foot spectacle of gilded mythology and royal spectacle.

Weighing nearly four tons, it features panels painted by Cipriani and interiors lined with satin and velvet. Queen Elizabeth II famously described riding in it as “horrible.”

Though it belongs to the Crown Estate, estimates put its value around $4 million. Grand, impractical, and mesmerizing—it’s monarchy on wheels, and then some.

Princess Diana’s Revenge Dress

Owned by: Princess Diana
Owned since: 1994
Estimated Value: $100,000–$150,000

Worn to a Serpentine Gallery event just hours after Prince Charles admitted infidelity on television, Diana’s black off-the-shoulder Christina Stambolian dress stunned the press and redefined public perception.

Originally kept unworn for years, Diana reportedly hesitated to wear the dress, thinking it too daring. But its debut that night sent a loud, graceful message to the world.

Now known as the “Revenge Dress,” it sold at auction for over $74,000 in 1997. Current valuations exceed $150,000—a fashion statement transformed into royal history’s most glamorous mic drop.

Kate Middleton’s Engagement Dress

Owned by: Catherine, Princess of Wales
Owned since: 2010
Estimated Value: $600 (original Issa version); replica value varies

Kate Middleton’s navy-blue silk jersey dress by Issa became an instant fashion sensation after her engagement to Prince William. The original design sold out within hours worldwide.

The designer Daniella Helayel was overwhelmed by demand. “We didn’t have the resources to handle it,” she later told the press, highlighting how royal style reshaped her label overnight.

Though originally priced around $600, authenticated originals and well-preserved replicas have surged in collector value. For many, it’s the dress that launched a duchess—and a thousand lookalikes.

Prince Charles’ Aston Martin DB6

Owned by: King Charles III (then Prince of Wales)
Owned since: 1969
Estimated Value: $450,000+

Given to Charles on his 21st birthday by Queen Elizabeth II, the 1969 DB6 Volante is a rare classic, one of only 140 ever made. It remains in pristine condition.

In 2008, he had it converted to run on surplus English wine and cheese whey. Aston Martin engineers praised the effort, calling it a “world-first for sustainable luxury.”

Charles still drives the car during special occasions. Its most famous outing? William and Kate’s 2011 wedding exit, a champagne-fueled spin with “Just Married” strung on the rear.

Princess Diana’s Blue Engagement Suit

Owned by: Princess Diana
Owned since: 1981
Estimated Value: $8,000–$60,000 (auction estimates)

Diana’s blue suit from Harrods wasn’t haute couture, but it made history. Worn during her televised engagement with Prince Charles, it symbolized youthful grace and humble beginnings.

The suit was later identified as from the designer label Cojana. Though not as valuable as her gowns, replicas and authenticated pieces have fetched over $20,000 at auction.

Diana’s fashion evolved dramatically, but this suit marked her royal debut. It remains an icon of modesty, sincerity, and the early stages of a turbulent royal chapter.

The Queen’s Black Patent Court Shoes

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1950s onward
Estimated Value: $2,000+ per bespoke pair

For over 50 years, the Queen wore nearly identical black patent leather court shoes, crafted by Anello & Davide. Modest in appearance, they were precision-engineered for standing through ceremonies.

Each pair was custom-built on wooden lasts, with a 2¼-inch heel and specially padded insoles. Break-in duties reportedly fell to a royal dresser with a matching shoe size.

While new pairs cost around $2,000, their cultural value far exceeds retail. They were walking symbols of consistency, worn through jubilees, crises, and thousands of meet-and-greets.

Princess Margaret’s Fabergé Frame

Owned by: Princess Margaret
Owned since: 1950s
Estimated Value: $75,000–$125,000

Princess Margaret adored Fabergé items, particularly a rare jeweled photo frame believed to be a gift from Queen Mary. She displayed it prominently at Kensington Palace beside family portraits.

Crafted in guilloché enamel with gold mounts, similar Fabergé frames, especially those tied to royal provenance or imperial commissions, have fetched over $ 100,000 at Sotheby’s and Christie’s.

Margaret’s frame was auctioned in 2006 after her death, amid other personal items. The piece, like her persona, was vivid, ornate, and unapologetically regal.

The Queen Mother’s Fan Collection

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Owned since: 1920s–1980s
Estimated Value: $1,000–$25,000 per piece

The Queen Mother amassed an elegant collection of hand fans—many inherited, some gifted, and others purchased during state visits. They ranged from delicate lace to ivory and mother-of-pearl designs.

Several featured personal inscriptions and royal monograms, while others bore scenes from ballets, coronations, or foreign embassies. Experts view them as storytelling objects, both functional and symbolic.

Individual pieces from her collection have fetched between $1,000 and $25,000 at auction. Each fan, though silent, whispered tales of society balls, summer courts, and royal mischief.

The Queen’s Racing Pigeons

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1940s (inherited from King George VI)
Estimated Value: $200,000+ (total loft value)

The Royal Pigeon Lofts at Sandringham housed over 200 birds, many of which traced their lineage to racing pigeons used for military messaging in both World Wars. Her Majesty took a personal interest in breeding.

The Royal Pigeon Racing Association confirmed the Queen had been its patron since 1990. Top-performing birds are valued at several thousand pounds; the full loft’s worth exceeded $200,000.

Outsiders find it odd, but the Queen regarded them with affection and discipline. Royal staff recalled she’d quiz keepers on their “flyers” like a general inspecting a prized battalion.

Princess Diana’s Audi Cabriolet

Owned by: Princess Diana
Owned since: 1994
Estimated Value: $85,000–$120,000

In the summer of 1994, Diana famously drove a British racing green Audi 80 Cabriolet—roof down, paparazzi flashing. The car became synonymous with her post-royal independence and tabloid intrigue.

Unlike official Rolls-Royces, this Audi was leased from Dovercourt and returned a year later. Despite that, its provenance boosted its value when it resurfaced at auction years later.

In 2016, it sold for over $85,000—more than triple its standard value. Diana’s touch transformed a sensible German convertible into a glamorous relic of reinvention.

The Queen’s Corgi Breeding Records

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1944
Estimated Value: $10,000–$50,000 (archival and collectible value)

Queen Elizabeth bred over 30 corgis during her reign, starting with Susan, a gift for her 18th birthday. Each dog was registered, logged, and documented with meticulous notes and lineage charts.

The breeding records, kept at Sandringham and maintained with kennel logs, represent nearly 80 years of royal canine care. Specialists have described the records as “pedigree gold.”

It’s priceless emotionally, yet archivists estimate the records could fetch $10,000–$50,000 at auction—especially paired with royal photographs, paw-signed Christmas cards, or Susan’s original collar.

The Queen Mother’s Gin Bar Cart

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
Owned since: 1940s
Estimated Value: $5,000–$15,000

The Queen Mother was famously fond of her daily gin and Dubonnet. Her bespoke brass and glass bar cart became a fixture at Clarence House, always polished and ready.

The cart, often wheeled out for guests or quiet evenings, was a reflection of her easy charm and impeccable hospitality. A favorite gin glass also traveled with her.

While not a crown jewel, the cart became a royal relic. Similar vintage pieces are now auctioned for up to $15,000, though few come with such sparkling provenance.

Princess Charlotte’s Nursery Furniture

Owned by: Princess Charlotte
Owned since: 2015
Estimated Value: $15,000–$30,000

Designed for Kensington Palace, Princess Charlotte’s nursery featured bespoke cream-colored furnishings from Dragons of Walton Street, the luxury London brand favored by royal mothers for decades.

The nursery included a £1,800 hand-painted crib, matching toy box, and embroidered armchair. Media reports placed the total nursery value around $25,000, combining craftsmanship with royal whimsy.

Though lavish, the décor was elegant and understated. “It’s traditional with a playful twist,” said the boutique’s designer. Even royalty, it seems, wants the perfect place for bedtime stories.

Prince George’s First Toy

Owned by: Prince George of Wales
Owned since: 2013
Estimated Value: $500–$5,000

When Prince George was born, world leaders and well-wishers sent gifts. Among them, a handcrafted rocking horse from President Obama and a plush wombat from Australia stole the spotlight.

But the most beloved toy in the nursery was reportedly a wooden train set from Prince Charles, crafted by English artisans and painted with non-toxic dyes.

Custom pieces like this can command $500 to $5,000 depending on materials and provenance. Add a future king’s fingerprints? The sentimental value likely outpaces the appraisal.

Prince Louis’ Christening Robe

Owned by: Prince Louis of Wales
Owned since: 2018
Estimated Value: $20,000–$35,000

Prince Louis wore a hand-crafted replica of the 1841 Honiton lace christening gown originally made for Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter. The original was retired due to its fragility.

Commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II, the replica, created by Angela Kelly, has been worn by royal babies since 2008. It mirrors every detail of the original’s intricate lace and silk.

Although unavailable for sale, experts estimate its cost between $20,000 and $35,000. It’s less an outfit and more a living fabric of continuity and royal baptismal history.

Queen Victoria’s Sketchbooks

Owned by: Queen Victoria
Owned since: Early 1800s
Estimated Value: $100,000+ (per volume if auctioned)

Queen Victoria kept detailed sketchbooks throughout her reign, filling them with pencil portraits, floral studies, and landscape drawings. Many were completed during her Scottish retreats and family travels.

Select volumes, now housed at the Royal Archives, were digitized in partnership with the Royal Collection Trust. Historians praised their “unexpected tenderness” and “artistic curiosity,” unusual for a sovereign.

Though never intended for public view, experts estimate individual books could fetch over $100,000. Together, they offer an intimate counterpoint to Victoria’s famously steely public persona.

Meghan Markle’s Cartier Tank Watch

Owned by: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
Owned since: 2015 (Diana’s original from the 1990s)
Estimated Value: $23,000

Meghan’s Cartier Tank Française watch holds layered symbolism. Originally worn by Princess Diana, it was passed down and now graces Meghan’s wrist during select appearances and interviews.

In a 2015 Hello! Magazine feature, Meghan said, “I’ve always coveted the Cartier Tank. When I found out Diana had one, it became even more special.”

Current editions retail around $5,000–$7,000, but Diana’s piece, given its royal lineage, is valued at $20,000–$30,000. It remains an elegant timepiece—and a touching maternal legacy.

Edward VIII’s Parisian Luggage Set

Owned by: Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor
Owned since: 1930s
Estimated Value: $20,000–$40,000

After abdicating the throne in 1936, Edward VIII traveled frequently with a set of bespoke luggage from luxury French brands like Louis Vuitton and Goyard—monogrammed and immaculately maintained.

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor famously traveled with more than 100 pieces, including matching hatboxes, suitcases, and even a portable cocktail bar. Excess, meet exile.

At auction, sets attributed to Edward have fetched $20,000–$40,000. Stylish, scandalous, and highly collectible, the luggage carried far more than clothes—it held the weight of a royal exit.

The Queen’s Personal Diary Collection

Owned by: Queen Elizabeth II
Owned since: 1940s–2022
Estimated Value: $100,000+ (archival estimate per volume)

Queen Elizabeth reportedly kept a daily diary from her teenage years until the end of her reign, recording private moments, diplomatic insights, and personal reflections—never meant for public eyes.

Now securely housed in the Royal Archives, historians speculate the collection could span dozens of volumes. Buckingham Palace has never confirmed its contents or plans for release.

If ever published or sold, royal historians estimate each diary could fetch over $100,000. For now, they remain the most quietly powerful pages in British royal history.

The Royal Family’s Secret Photo Albums

Owned by: Multiple royal family members
Owned since: Early 1900s to present
Estimated Value: $100,000+ (archival and historical value)

Tucked away in private residences and royal archives, the family’s personal photo albums contain candid moments—pony rides, garden games, holidays—that rarely escape the palace walls.

Historians have glimpsed a few during documentaries and official releases. “They humanize the monarchy,” said one BBC archivist. “It’s history seen through affection, not pageantry.”