Brooches were often worn during times of bereavement. They functioned as symbols to commemorate loved ones who had passed away. Particular images, such as butterflies, animals, birds or flowers were laden with symbolism, usually connected to themes such as love, the soul, or fidelity.
While it's been said that Middleton first wore the Royal Family Order brooch to a Diplomatic Reception just last year, the State Banquet at Buckingham Palace she attended in October 2018 was the first time she was photographed wearing it.
'Pearls are traditional for Queens going back one thousand years – there has never been a Queen who didn't wear pearls, Leslie Field, author of The Queen's Jewels, told PEOPLE. 'They were rare, beautiful and lustrous and the more you wear them, the more lustrous they become. '
Her Majesty has never worn the piece publicly but her daughter Princess Anne used it for many of her appearances in the eighties. Her daughter Zara famously wore it to her 2011 wedding. Here, the Queen Mother, the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Anne are all seen wearing the Irish Guards Brooch.
Traditionally, in formal settings a brooch should only ever be worn over the left breast, to the viewer this would be a right brooch. The origins of this historic rule are slightly hazy, however most researchers agree that it stems from practicality.
The future monarch was only 25 years old when she lost her beloved dad, and the pearl necklace that she received from him as a young girl remains a powerful reminder of the special bond they shared. Elizabeth loved the three-strand pearl necklace so much that she had an identical one made.
Brooches are traditionally worn on the left side, so stick to the left in formal settings. However, you can always experiment with wearing it in different locations for a more casual look.
10 Most Beautiful Princesses and Queens in the World (2021)
- Queen Rania, Jordan.
- Princess Madeleine, Sweden.
- Princess Sofia, Sweden.
- Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
- Queen Letizia, Spain.
- Queen Jetsun Pema, Bhutan.
- Princess Beatrice, Monaco.
- Princess Ameera al-Tawi, Saudi Arabia.
Queen's brooch collection 'worth £90m' - including one rarely worn piece worth £50m. The Queen's brooch collection is worth at least £90m according to diamond experts. The Queen, 95, has access to an extensive collection of jewellery, with many of the items passed down to her through generations of the Royal Family.
Queen Elizabeth Wore a Diamond Brooch With a Long Royal History to Prince Philip's Funeral. The jewelry was a gift from her grandmother, Queen Mary. The brooch Queen Elizabeth wore to Prince Philip's funeral also served as a final romantic gesture for her late husband.
Originally, the Cullinan III and IV were referred to as the “Lesser Stars of Africa†(along with Cullinan II), but they are now affectionately called “Granny's Chips.†The Cullinan III and IV were occasionally used as a pendant to the Coronation Necklace, in place of the Lahore Diamond, and in the Delhi Durbar Tiara.
Prince Philip didn't have a state funeral. The Duke of Edinburgh's funeral was held on Saturday in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Prince Philip had a ceremonial royal funeral instead of a state funeral. Princess Diana and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, both had ceremonial funerals instead of state funerals.
Prince Philip became the 25th member of the royal family to be interred in the Royal Vault beneath St.George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after his funeral on Saturday.
Elizabeth owns more than 300 items of jewellery, including 98 brooches, 46 necklaces, 37 bracelets, 34 pairs of earrings, 15 rings, 14 watches and 5 pendants, the most notable of which are detailed in this article.
The Queen paid a sweet tribute to her family at the funeral of her beloved husband Prince Philip on Saturday - wearing her diamond Richmond brooch, which has a special story behind it.
The Jardine Star brooch is one of of a selection that The Queen is regularly seen wearing, and seems to be one of her favourites. It is in a star-like shape, featuring 8 diamond rays. These rays are separated by a single diamond. The centre of the star holds a diamond surrounded by seven smaller ones.
