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The sweet and poignant story behind Queen Camilla’s jewel pick for special wedding anniversary

Queen Camilla chose a very important piece of jewellery for a really special day. As she and King Charles marked twenty years of marriage, The Queen wore a stunning turquoise necklace that once belonged to her mother.

Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use

The necklace was worn by Queen Camilla for the State Banquet held during the State Visit to Italy. The Queen also wore a pair of turquoise earrings that she has often paired with the necklace.

Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use

Her Majesty inherited the gems from her mother, Rosalind Shand, who died in 1994, over a decade before her daughter’s royal wedding. They are a very important set of jewels for The Queen who has worn them on several major occasions including the 1998 birthday party for her now husband, Charles, which marked one of her first big public appearances with him.

Royal Family Instagram still/ fair use

The Queen’s decision to wear them for such an important event as a State Banquet is another indication of how much they mean to her especially as this was her main jewellery for the event – Queen Camilla forewent a tiara for the gala dinner.

It also meant that the necklace became the main gem statement of the royal wedding anniversary. Queen Camilla chose a bright green, lace covered dress for the banquet but it was the turquoises that stole the show.

About author

Lydia Starbuck is Jubilee and Associate Editor at Royal Central and the main producer and presenter of the Royal Central Podcast and Royal Central Extra. Lydia is also a pen name of June Woolerton who is a journalist and writer with over twenty years experience in TV, radio, print and online. Her latest book, A History of British Royal Jubilees, is out now. Her new book, The Mysterious Death of Katherine Parr, will be published in March 2024. June is an award winning reporter, producer and editor. She's appeared on outlets including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Local Radio and has also helped set up a commercial radio station. June is also an accomplished writer with a wide range of material published online and in print. She is the author of two novels, published as e-books. She is also a marriage registrar and ceremony celebrant.