The Princess of Wales pulled a major jewellery surprise this week when she chose a century old piece that’s rarely been seen in recent years for a star studded film premiere.
Kate rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Tom Cruise, at the first showing of Digger, held at Leicester Square in central London complete with red carpet and big crowds.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were at the glittering event to support the Film and TV Charity and Kate made sure she brought all the sparkle with a stunning necklace that has been hidden behind palace doors for several years.
For this gala moment, the Princess chose purple, traditionally the most regal of colours as, for centuries, it was very hard to create in cloth form. In the 21st century, that’s not a problem and Kate wore a full length Jenny Packham gown in deep purple that featured flowing sleeves and a deep, V neckline. That was the perfect setting for a necklace of pearls, diamonds and amethysts.
The gem in question dates back to 1923 when it was given by Queen Alexandra to the bride of one of her grandsons. Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was about to marry the second son of King George V. Alexandra was grandmother of the groom, Albert, and presented his bride to be with a striking diamond and pearl necklace that was completed by a romantic, heart shaped amethyst.
It was a modern and fashionable piece of jewellery for the young bride and its stylish design is perhaps no surprise when the interests of the two women involved in the creation of this royal jewels are considered. Alexandra had been, for decades, one of the most fashionable royals around. She had arrived in England in 1863 to marry the future Edward VII. From the moment she set foot in her new home, her style was followed with deep interest. As Princess of Wales, she became a fashion leader. Her interest in clothes had started when she was growing up in Copenhagen when she and her family made their own outfits. It continued through her life.
Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon was also way ahead of her times with fashion choices and would cause controversy with an on trend wedding dress that was very far removed from the traditional royal look of lace, orange blossom and myrtle. Queen Alexandra, now a dowager, chose a modern piece of jewellery for this new royal bride. It was a sweet and understanding gesture and gave a new duchess a fashionable gem to enjoy amidst a sea of more usual pieces of jewellery.
The necklace is actually a sautoir and it’s rarely been seen in public. The bride who received it would go on to become Queen Elizabeth when her husband unexpectedly took the throne as King George VI ono the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII. In 2012, Queen Camilla wore the jewel to the premiere of Skyfall, a rare outing for the gem.
Now, the Princess of Wales has worn the jewel and its history mean that it links her to three different queens – Alexandra, Elizabeth and Camilla. It’s a fitting pick for a princess in line to become queen herself one day.
All photos by Andrew Parsons/ Kensington Palace
