Camilla’s subtle tribute to the late Queen: Royal wears her mother-in-law’s sapphire brooch as she welcomes the South Korean president and first lady to the UK
- The late Queen Elizabeth inherited the brooch from her grandmother Queen Mary
- READ MORE: Kate Middleton stuns in Catherine Walker coat as she and William arrive at Horse Guards Parade to welcome the South Korean President
Queen Camilla paid heartwarming tribute to the late Queen as she welcomed the South Korean president to the UK on a state visit today.
The royal, 76, chose to wear Queen Elizabeth II’s Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch, pinning it to her navy Anna Valentine coat, for the special occasion.
Camilla added a feather-detailed hat by Philip Treacy, created in a deep blue hue, along with black knee-high suede boots and black leather gloves.
The exquisite design of the brooch, featuring intricate gold filigree set between a vibrant sapphire and dazzling diamonds, was among the jewels Elizabeth inherited from Queen Mary.
It was a favourite of the late Queen, who wore it on a number of occasions over the years, including a meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City in 2014.
Queen Camilla paid heartwarming tribute to the late Queen by wearing one of her favourite brooches as she welcomed the South Korean president to the UK on a state visit today
The Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch originally belonged to Romanov empress, Marie Feodorovna – consort of Tsar Alexander III and mother of Tsar Nicholas II.
Marie was also the sister of Queen Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.
In 1934, Queen Mary, the daughter-in-law of Alexandra, reportedly purchased the brooch from Marie Feodorovna’s daughters.
The sentimental design bears a resemblance to the diamond and sapphire cluster brooch that was presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert. However, it is distinguished by opulent gold filigree detailing between the vivid sapphire and sparkling diamonds.
Before Queen Elizabeth acquired the striking brooch, it was frequently worn by her mother.
The Queen Mother showcased the piece during numerous daytime events, such as palace garden parties and the Epsom Derby, throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1961, she wore the brooch when meeting her newest grandson, Princess Margaret’s first child, Viscount Linley.
The brooch also proved suitable for less formal evening occasions, including a performance of Shaw’s You Never Can Tell at the Theatre Royal in Windsor in 1962.
Queen Elizabeth II wears the brooch for a meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City on 3 April 2014
The Queen Mother (R) and Queen Elizabeth II (L) arrive at Windsor’s Theatre Royal for a performance of G. B. Shaw’s You Never Can Tell on 23 February 1962
The Queen Mother waves to the crowd outside Clarence House on her 78th birthday on 4th August 1978
The royal, 76, pinned the Russian Sapphire Cluster Brooch to her navy Anna Valentine coat for the special occasion
That evening, the Queen Mother teamed the brooch with the Diamond and Sapphire Fringe Earrings, most recently worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Additionally, she wore it on significant personal milestones, such as her birthday gathering at Clarence House on her 78th birthday in 1978.
Following the Queen Mother’s passing in 2002, the brooch was returned to Queen Elizabeth II’s collection. However, it took more than a decade for her to wear it, making its debut during a visit to the Vatican in April 2014.
In 2015, Queen Elizabeth showcased the brooch at the Chinese state banquet, held at Buckingham Palace, using it to fasten the sash of the Order of the Garter.
She complemented the statement piece with the Belgian Sapphire Tiara and jewels from the King George VI Sapphire Suite.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were waiting to greet the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Royal Pavilion, as they officially welcomed the president of South Korea to the UK today.
Kate Middleton, 41, looked chic in a £3,000 red cape coat from Catherine Walker, accessorised with Gianvito Rossi court shoes and a matching hat by Jane Taylor.
The Princess wore her hair up in a sleek bun, showcasing Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond oval drop earrings.
Kate wore a similar coat dress during her Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey in 2021. She wore a black version of the same dress to Prince Philip’s funeral.
This evening, they will stage a glittering state banquet in his honour at Buckingham Palace.
Charles and Camilla are hosting the pair for the first incoming state visit since the King’s coronation and the second of his reign.
The Prince and Princess of Wales played a key role by greeting the President and the First Lady at their hotel on this morning.
William and Kate travelled with Mr Yoon and Mrs Kim to the ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade in central London, where the King and Queen were waiting.
A guard of honour, formed by F Company Scots Guards, gave a royal salute amid traditional pomp and pageantry and the King and Mr Yoon inspected the troops on the parade ground.
Charles, Camilla, William and Kate and their guests will then travel in a carriage procession down The Mall to the Palace, before a private lunch and a visit to see Royal Collection exhibits in the Picture Gallery.
The British royals took a photo together with Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, on day on the state visit
The Princess of Wales, 41, wore her hair up in a sleek bun and opted for a glamorous make-up look including a smokey eye as she drove to Horse Guards Parade after meeting Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife Kim Keon Hee
Kate opted for a glamorous make-up look for the day out
Prince William and Kate travelled down Horse Guard’s Parade in a carriage
South Korea’s president got a very royal welcome as he stepped out into Buckingham Palace
Later on, Mr Yoon will lay a wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey and deliver an address in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster to members of both Houses of Parliament.
This evening, 170 guests will gather for the banquet, customarily a white tie and tiara affair, in the opulent Palace Ballroom.
The King and Queen are expected to be joined by William, Kate and other members of the royal family, while Charles and Mr Yoon will make speeches.
Foreign secretaries are also usually invited, meaning the newly appointed Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton is likely to make a return to dining at the royal residence, harking back to the days when he was prime minister.
On Wednesday, Mr Yoon will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Downing Street and also meet Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer.
The state visit follows the first incoming one of the King’s reign by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa last autumn.
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