Did Queen Elizabeth send Donald Trump a royal message through her jewellery? 7 of her favourite brooches – and the stories behind them
Worth millions and filled with historical significance, the queen’s brooch collection is world famous – and will it be passed on to Kate Middleton one day?
It’s not difficult to understand why Queen Elizabeth has one of the most fascinating royal jewellery collections in the world. Between priceless pieces passed down through generations and presents from world leaders and loved ones, she has every gemstone imaginable in her jewellery collection.
Jewellery fans can only dream of rummaging through the queen’s collection. She has access to just about every style, from dazzling diamond tiaras to statement pearl necklaces. Among Queen Elizabeth’s favourite styles of jewellery is the brooch; from state dinners to visits to Royal Ascot, she is rarely seen without one pinned to her clothes.
The jewels owned by the queen fall into two categories: her own private collection and the Royal Collection. The latter belongs to the Crown and will be for the use of other royal women including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge when she eventually becomes queen.
Here, we take a look at a handful of her favourite brooches and discover the stories behind these sparkling, elegant designs.
The Albert brooch
A brooch reserved for important occasions, you’ll likely see the queen wear this sapphire and diamond number in one of her televised messages; it’s her go-to brooch to wear for when she appears in her annual Christmas broadcasts.
Young Elizabeth received this brooch from her father, King Edward; the brooch came into the royal family in 1849 when Prince Albert presented it to Queen Victoria as a “something blue” present to mark their marriage.
The cluster design, which features an oval sapphire flanked by white diamonds, is the inspiration behind the famous engagement ring that William inherited from the late Princess Diana which he then used to propose to Kate.