Princess Mary adored owls and collected a great number throughout her life. Her collection adorned her private rooms and owls were often given to Princess Mary as gifts by friends and family.  

The City of Leeds’ emblem is also that of an owl, a happy coincidence for a princess who once said of Yorkshire: “If I could choose anywhere in the world to live it would be here, the best place”.

To celebrate Leeds 400 and Harewood 40, Princess Mary’s most treasured owls will go on display in the Yellow Drawing Room, seen together for the first time for over a decade.

Made by Royal jewellers Fabergé and Cartier, each model is carefully observed and intricately carved in precious hardstones. Princess Mary’s owls demonstrate the exceptional craftsmanship associated with the two firms and represent the rich tradition of royal collecting that Princess Mary was a part of.