Why Kate And Camilla Wore Brooch With The Late Queen’s Portrait
Prince William and Kate joined King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla for the first Diplomatic Corps Reception in three years, welcoming hundreds of guests at Buckingham Palace.
Princess Catherine, along with Queen Consort Camilla, was spotted paying tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth at the reception.
Kate stunned onlookers in her scarlet red Jenny Packham gown, dazzling them with the Lotus Flower Tiara, while Camilla wore an Anna Valentine gown, paired with the late Queen’s diamond and sapphire tiara and necklace.
However, most eyes would have been drawn to two similar pieces of jewelry both of the royals were wearing.
The curious items in question were brooches adorned with a portrait of a young Queen Elizabeth II wearing an evening dress with a ribbon and the star of the Order of the Garter.
But why did Princess Kate And Queen Consort Camilla Wore One?
These brooches are a sign that the wearer belongs to the Royal Family Order, an honour which was bestowed upon female members of the Family by the monarch, first introduced by George IV in the 1800s.
Queen Elizabeth gifted the honour to a total of 15 women, which include The Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana, while she herself was a recipient of the Royal Family Orders of both her grandfather, King George V, and her father, King George VI.
Currently there are seven living recipients of the Order: Camilla, the Queen Consort, Kate, the Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Countess of Wessex, the Duchess of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester and the Lady Ogilvy.
It is likely that King Charles will create his own order, which will replace Queen Elizabeth’s, but the current members will still be able to wear the brooches of Queen Elizabeth’s, even if a new one is introduced.