Regalia of Albania

The Regalia of Albania (Albanian: Regalia e Shqipërisë) is a royal regalia that existed during the Albanian monarchy. The regalia worn by Albanian nobles, spanning various aristocratic families, included royal symbols, artifacts, and ceremonial aspects. These regal emblems were emblematic of the monarchy's power and heritage, representing a broader spectrum of Albanian noble history. The historical and cultural value attached to these symbols transcends individual families, signifying the collective richness of Albania's noble traditions throughout different periods.
Within the historical tapestry of the Muzaka family, a captivating depiction emerges featuring Andrea II Muzaka. The illustration portrays him donned in regal attire, a uniquely shaped crown distinguished by intricate stripes. Notably, this uniquely shaped crown appears to be a familial emblem, as other members of the Muzaka family are also depicted wearing similar regal headpieces. Although lacking specific written sources, this visual snapshot provides a glimpse into the opulent regalia associated with the Muzaka noble lineage. The distinctive details of Andrea II's attire and accessories contribute to our visual understanding of the grandeur and unique stylistic elements characterizing Albanian nobility during this era.
While specific written sources detailing the regalia of Karl Thopia and the Thopia family may be unavailable or lost, a compelling depiction reveals Karl Thopia in royal attire with crowned double-headed eagles. Adorned with a crown and holding a scepter. This visual representation offers a glimpse into the regal attire and symbols associated with the Thopia noble family, contributing to our understanding of the broader tradition of Albanian nobility during that period. During the reign of Gjergj Thopia there is a documented crown decorated with pearls and precious stones as well as a golden crown and four pairs of pearl earrings that belonged to his wife Teodora Branković.
The helmet (crown) of Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, was created for the medieval Feudal Lord in the 15th century, was smuggled out of Albania by members of the Kastrioti noble family. After the Occupation from the Ottoman Empire. Skanderbeg's helmet is made of white metal, adorned with a strip dressed in gold. On its top lies the head of a horned goat made of bronze, also dressed in gold. The bottom part bears a copper strip adorned with a monogram separated by rosettes. The crown found its way into the collections of the Habsburg dynasty via an Italian noble family and it currently resides in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna, Austria. In 1931, King Zog I made a very rare foreign tour and visited Vienna in an unsuccessful attempt to regain the crown, for a future coronation he even considered giving himself the regnal name "Skanderbeg III" when being crowned. Skanderbeg's helmet gave inspiration to the many Tiaras and Diadems that would be commissioned by the Zogu Family.
Founded in 1545 by the Albanian nobles of the Engjëlli family, the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George has a ceremonial and traditional significance deeply intertwined with its historical roots. The order, initially established by Andrea Angelo Flavio Comneno and his brother Paolo, has a distinctive ceremonial structure, including ranks such as Knight, Knight Commander, and Knight Grand Cross. Over the centuries, the order has undergone transitions in leadership, maintaining its ceremonial character. The incorporation of the order as a religious order of the Catholic Church, hereditary in the House of Farnese and later the Bourbons, further solidifies its ceremonial and traditional standing. The ceremonial robes, titles, and rituals associated with the order reflect its enduring commitment to preserving chivalric traditions. Within this rich tapestry of tradition, the order proudly incorporates regalia such as the ceremonial crown, robes, and collar. These symbolic elements, intricately designed and worn with pride, add an extra layer of majesty to the order's ceremonies, symbolizing the nobility, leadership, and commitment to chivalry that define the essence of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George.
The Regalia for the Zogu Family was created when Zog I of Albania in 1928 self-proclaimed himself King of the Albanians and began his rule. He commissioned a regal ensemble for his coronation, featuring rose-colored breeches, gold spurs, and a gold crown weighing seven and five-eighths pounds. That same year there were tiaras commissioned for Zog I of Albania sisters. They were made for Princess Senije, Princess Myzejen, Princess Ruhije and Princess Maxhide. While Princess Adile and Princess Nafije did not receive any tiaras due to being already married when their brother Zog I of Albania became King. In 1930 the diadem of the Princesses of Albania was created by Töpfert Vienna. It was created for one of Zog I of Albania sisters the princesses but nothing further is known about the jewel. Its whereabouts are unknown today. Shortly after getting engaged then marrying Zog I of Albania. Geraldine of Albania received the Royal Diamond Tiara at the wedding in 1938. Her tiara had 28.05 carats of old European and single-cut diamonds and 4.80 carats of baguette diamonds, the tiara has a floral base relating to her being called "The White Rose of Hungary" and is topped with a diamond ram's head relating to Skanderbeg. In 1939 the House of Zogu was deposed by Victor Emmanuel III of Italy during the Italian invasion of 1939. Victor assumed the Albanian throne. While in their exile King Zog was suffering from stomach cancer and required treatment for which the family had little money. Queen Geraldine was forced to sell most of her regalia. Including the Oak Leave tiara and Floral tiara as well as the jewelry except she kept earrings. In 1961 King Zog died in exile and was succeeded as claimant to the throne and head of the house of Zogu was his only son Leka, Crown Prince of Albania who became self-proclaimed King of the Albanians. In the early 1970s the Queen Susan tiara diadem was commissioned by Leka, Crown Prince of Albania and designed by the Iranian imperial family. The tiara was first worn by Geraldine of Albania at the wedding of her son Leka, Crown Prince of Albania and Susan Cullen-Ward. It was then given to Susan Cullen-Ward when she became queen. After the Passing of Leka, Crown Prince of Albania, Leka, Prince of Albania became the sole heir to the Albanian Crown. On October 8, 2016 Leka, Prince of Albania married Elia, Princess of Albania where she became Crown Princess Elia of the Albanians. She inherited the Tiara that was worn by Susan Cullen-Ward and Geraldine of Albania.