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Spending a lifetime together warrants the right to possess a symbol of that union—a tangible representation that speaks louder than words. A ring serves as an emblem of devotion, a testament to shared history, and an unbreakable bond. However, in the world of royalty, such symbols carry immense weight and significance. When Queen Camilla showcased a dazzling diamond ring, it did more than cement her place in the royal limelight; it sparked intrigue and speculation, raising questions about whether it was a token of love or a strategic move in a much larger royal narrative—one that could have unforeseen consequences.
The recent visit of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to London reignited discussions surrounding royal heirlooms, particularly when Catherine, the Princess of Wales, debuted an exquisite brooch with historical ties to both Princess Diana and Queen Camilla. The brooch, adorned with the Prince of Wales feathers made of diamonds and a cushion-cut emerald drop, was pinned to Catherine’s custom plum-colored Amelia Wickstead coat dress during her meeting with the president. The origins of this piece date back to 1863 when it was gifted to Princess Alexandra of Denmark by a group of Welsh women upon her marriage to Prince Albert Edward, Queen Victoria’s eldest son. Traditionally, this symbol is reserved for the current Prince of Wales and his spouse, a courtesy title bestowed upon Catherine and Prince William by King Charles III in one of his first official acts as monarch in September.
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The brooch had remained out of public view until 2006, when it reappeared on Camilla Parker Bowles following her marriage to Prince Charles in 2005. At that time, Camilla opted for the title Duchess of Cornwall, rather than Princess of Wales, out of deference to the late Princess Diana. Nevertheless, the brooch seemed to be passed down to each Princess of Wales, and Camilla continued to wear it throughout her marriage. Its reappearance was not without controversy; when Camilla first wore it, many criticized her for donning a jewel so closely associated with Diana, given the painful history of Diana’s public remarks about her husband’s extramarital relationship with Camilla. Despite the backlash, Camilla wore the brooch again in 2012 at the Cheltenham horse races.
This brooch is one of the few royal heirlooms that has been worn by both Diana and Camilla, and it now belongs to Catherine. The Princess of Wales did not stop at this historical piece during the state banquet that evening—she also adorned herself with the breathtaking Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot tiara, complemented by pearl and diamond earrings from Diana’s personal collection. Catherine has increasingly chosen significant historical jewels for major events, using them to pay tribute to the royal lineage. A notable example occurred in September when she honored Queen Elizabeth II at her state funeral by wearing jewelry lent to her by the late monarch.
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Jewelry expert Maxwell Stone, from the UK retailer Steven Stone, analyzed Catherine’s selection and noted that the brooch featuring pavé-set diamonds encircling a single pearl was crafted in 1919. However, Queen Camilla is not the only royal known for wearing distinct brooches with historical resonance. She once attended the Ascot Chase Race Day adorned with the Sapphire and Ruby Minoru brooch, which dates back to King Edward VII’s reign. The brooch was commissioned by the king to celebrate his horse Minoru’s victory at the Epsom Derby. Similarly, Princess Charlotte honored her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, at her 2022 state funeral by wearing a diamond horseshoe brooch. The piece originally belonged to the Queen Mother and was a personal gift to the young princess from Queen Elizabeth II herself.
When Catherine first joined the royal family, her jewelry choices were relatively understated and modern. However, as she has embraced her role within the monarchy, she has increasingly worn more significant heirlooms, often reserving them for special occasions. This shift suggests that she values the history and legacy attached to these pieces. Over time, she has grown more comfortable with wearing grander items, reflecting her expanding role in royal duties and her support for King Charles III. As she continues to ascend in prominence, it is likely that her jewelry choices will further align with her evolving position within the monarchy.
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Recently, the Princess of Wales made a striking appearance at Wellington Barracks in London for the Irish Guards’ St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. As the Colonel of the Irish Guards, she was notably absent from the event the previous year due to her cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. For this year’s occasion, Catherine radiated elegance in a dark green Alexander McQueen coat, a matching hat, black suede high-heeled boots, black gloves, and a black leather handbag. Her jewelry choice for the event was a pair of KiKi McDonough earrings featuring green tourmaline, green amethyst, and diamonds set in 18K gold.
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Throughout her time in the royal family, Catherine has used jewelry to make subtle yet significant statements, whether honoring past monarchs, acknowledging royal traditions, or reinforcing her place in the institution. Her careful selection of accessories speaks volumes about her respect for history and her growing stature as the future queen. As she steps further into the spotlight, her choices will likely continue to reflect both personal sentiment and royal heritage, weaving together a narrative that is both timeless and ever-evolving.
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