The iconic jewellery brand, Cartier, was the "first to know" that King Edward VIII would abdicate the throne, as Mr Cartier was one of the first to understand that Edward was planning to propose to an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson.

Following the death of George V in January 1936, royals and aristocrats flocked to Jacques Cartier to invest in jewellery for Edward VIII’s Coronation.

As reported in the Daily Mail, it can be revealed that the jeweller was also creating an engagement ring for Edward’s mistress, which in turn, would lead to his abdication.

It comes as a major exhibition opens today in the Victoria and Albert museum in Kensington, London, which features precious jewels, iconic watches and historic gemstones.

Francesca Cartier Brickell, who is the great-granddaughter of the jeweller, said: "It’s crazy that my great-grandfather probably realised that Edward VIII would choose love over duty before even the Royal Family knew.

"Even the Duke of York, who had visited Cartier London around the same time to buy a tiara for his wife, presumably hadn’t known his brother’s full intentions."

Edward told the prime minister at the time, Stanley Baldwin, on November 16, 1936, of his intention to marry Wallis Simpson. However, he seemingly did not tell George VI - his younger brother who would now take the throne in his place - who bought a tiara for his wife to wear to his brother’s Coronation just two days later.

On December 10, 1936, Edward VIII executed an Instrument of Abdication which was given legal effect the following day, when Edward gave Royal Assent to His Majesty's Declaration of Abdication Act, by which Edward VIII and any children he might have were excluded from succession to the throne.

George VI then assumed the role of King, paving the way for his eldest daughter the late Queen Elizabeth II to ascend the throne.

Cartier London opened firstly on New Burlington Street, a diamond's throw from its later home on New Bond Street which opened in 1909, where it remains to this day.

Known as the "Jeweller of Kings, King of Jewellers," Cartier has long been the go-to choice for regal adornments, crafting exquisite pieces that embody both opulence and tradition. This relationship dates back to the early 20th century when Cartier first captured the attention of royal patrons.

It is reported the relationship began in 1901, when King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra commissioned Louis Cartier to reset some of their newly inherited Indian jewels.