Queen Camilla has chosen one of the most prestigious brooches in the royal collection for the start of the German State Visit and hinted as a starring role in the prestigious event for Queen Victoria.
The gem in question is a giant sapphire and diamond brooch that once belonged to Victoria. It was given to her by her beloved husband, Prince Albert.
Albert was born in Germany, in Coburg, and moved to England when he married Victorfia in 1840. Theey were, in fact, first cousins. Both were grandchildren of Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and Countess Augusta Reuss of Ebersdorf.
The brooch is a particular favourite of Queen Camilla who often wears it for important occasions. However, its links to Germany make this a special selection.
It was given to Queen Victoria on the eve of her marriage and so became symbolic of her union with Prince Albert. It was so important to her that she left it in her will to the Crown so that this emblem of her marriage would remain a permanent part of the royal jewel collection.
Victoria loved it so much that she wore it on her wedding day, adding another ‘something blue’ to her outfit. However, after Albert’s early death, in 1861, she rarely used the gem.
It is very well used now and Queen Camilla has turned to it several times. Although almost 200 years old, it is a classic design and features a large, oblong sapphire surrounded by 12 round diamonds.
Blue was the pick for both royal women involved in the official welcome for the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife, Elke Budenbender.
The Princess of Wales also chose blue for her welcome outfit and added a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings that had once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. Kate also wore a brooch representing the feathers of the Prince of Wales.
The Princess chose a dress by Burberry with a coat by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.
Queen Camilla was in a coat by one of her favourite designers, Anna Valentine, and a hat from her go to milliner, Philip Treacy.
The State Visit continued with a carriage procession to Windsor Castle where later King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the President and First Lady of Germany for a State Banquet.
