Beth, the rescue dog of Queen Camilla, has died. Buckingham Palace announced the loss of the much loved pet and shared photos of the terrier with her royal owners. But Beth lives on in another way. For this Jack Russell, brought to the Palace from Battersea Dogs Home, has a place in Coronation history.
When Queen Camilla commissioned Bruce Oldfield to make her Coronation gown, she wanted symbolic embroidery on it to leave a legacy of the things that meant the most to her. Among The Queen’s selections were the names of her children and grandchildren and two rather cute looking images. For Queen Camilla also had Beth, and her fellow rescue dog Bluebell, stitched on to her dress in gold.
(Hugo Burnand/ Buckingham Palace)
The two dogs are nestled among the glittering images of this queen consort’s reign. They are an integral part of the simple yet beautifully ornate gown, which was created in Oldfield’s couture workrooms in Battersea, London.
The gown was structured like a coat dress, with a curved shape-line swooping up to create a short train that complemented both of the Queen’s Robes.
Queen Camilla’s gown was cut from Peau de Soie and featured an ivory, silver and gold colour palette. The silk Peau de Soie was woven by Stephen Walters, who operates out of Suffolk.
The signature paneling of Oldfield’s tailoring created a fitted look to the whole bodice. The dress featured bracelet-length sleeves, a v-neckline and strong shoulders and an underskirt which is where the symbols important to Queen Camilla and King Charles were embroidered.
Buckingham Palace said the embroidery includes: “delicate garlands of abstract wildflowers from fields and hedgerows: daisy chains, forget-me-nots, celandine and scarlet pimpernel, representing The King and The Queen’s Consort’s affection for nature and the British countryside.” Amidst the nature motifs, “celebratory bunting, in antique gold and silver thread.”
The floral emblems of all nations in the United Kingdom—the rose, the thistle, the daffodil and the shamrock—were added as embellishments on the front hem and sleeve cuffs.
(BBC still/ fair use)
The Palace noted that Oldfield’s vision “was to create a sophisticated and modern dress that showcases Her Majesty’s style and personality in its details.”
Queen Camilla’s shoes were made by Elliot Zed from the same Peau de Soie fabric of her dress. Her jewellery—aside from Queen Mary’s Crown—was tasteful. She wore the Coronation Necklace, last worn in 1953 by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and previously worn by Queen Alexandra in 1901 and Queen Mary in 1911.
And amidst all that history was a place for a little dog who had captured the heart of a queen – Beth, the rescue terrier.
