While The Queen was unable to attend the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow due to health reasons, she recorded a message for world leaders and activists gathered there. She wore a particularly poignant piece of jewellery for her statement, a butterfly brooch that is rarely seen.
The then-Princess Elizabeth received the ruby and diamond brooch in the shape of a butterfly from her friend the Countess of Onslow for her 1947 wedding to Prince Philip. The brooch went on display before the wedding at St. James’s Palace along with many other gifts and has been worn periodically since. The Queen was last seen wearing it in June 2021 for virtual audiences with ambassadors.
The Queen was wearing the Onslow Butterfly Brooch for her recorded message, played for delegates at the COP26 opening reception at Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum. She spoke of her late husband’s dedication to environmental causes and her pride in her son and grandson as they continue on in that same tradition.
The brooch sends a particularly poignant message about the late Duke of Edinburgh, who passed on 9 April 2021. In addition to the brooch and the mention of his environmental work in her speech, The Queen’s desk also featured a picture of Prince Philip surrounded by monarch butterflies. It was taken in Sierra Chincua in Mexico, the winter home of the butterflies, when the Duke visited in February 1988.
Some royal watchers believe that the brooch also may be a symbol of rebirth for a new phase of The Queen’s life, but sources from the palace have clarified to People magazine that it was not intended in either way.
While The Queen was unable to attend COP26 due to her recommended two weeks of rest, she is hoping to attend the National Service of Remembrance on 14 November in London.
