A guide to some of the Queen’s most iconic brooches and the meaning behind them

Composite image of Queen Elizabeth II and her brooches
The Queen had greater than 100 brooches – listed here are a few of her finest (Image: Getty Pictures/Metro.co.uk)

If there’s one accent Queen Elizabeth II was identified for (aside from a crown, maybe), it was the traditional brooch.

The late monarch had fairly the gathering; believed to be made up of greater than 100 totally different brooches, in actual fact, and it was uncommon to see her out and about with out a pin on her chest.

Every brooch is not only a pin, nevertheless.

Get into brooch-watching and also you’ll discover that the jewelry the Queen wore held layers of that means – brooches worn for an occasion have been chosen as a result of they referenced earlier outings, or have been presents from sure related folks.

There are some Elizabeth wore over and over, bringing them out for any event she fancied, and others that have been reserved just for sure occasions.

Some confirmed apparent cultural ties (there are specific brooches the Queen wore for any occasion related to Canada, for instance) whereas others signified a temper – pearls for remembrance, emerald for energy.

They vary in grandness and heft, from smaller diamond-flecked clusters to the practically seven-inch-long Queen Mom’s Cartier lily design.

We will’t run by way of each single one of many Queen’s brooches (we do have to sleep and eat, alas), however forward we’ve damaged down the importance of a few of her most iconic items.

The sapphire chrysanthemum brooch

Royal Honeymoon the queen and prince philip
The Queen and Prince Philip’s honeymoon pictures (Image: Topical Press Company/Hulton Archive/Getty Pictures)

queen elizabeth II at the christening of princess anne
Elizabeth wore this brooch for the Christening of Princess Anne (Image: ullstein bild/ullstein bild through Getty Pictures)

HM The Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on November 20.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh re-visit Broadlands, to mark their Diamond Wedding ceremony Anniversary on November 20 (Image: Tim Graham/Getty Pictures)

The Sapphire chrysanthemum brooch is a straightforward however assertion design, with a number of platinum-set sapphires surrounded by diamond petals.

It was given to the then Princess Elizabeth for launch the British Princess oil tanker in 1946, and she or he went on to put on it for a lot of key moments, together with her honeymoon, Princess Anne’s Christening, and her and Prince Philip’s diamond wedding ceremony anniversary.

The Dorset bow brooch

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II pictured with baby Prince Charles at his christening
On the Christening of Charles (Image: mirrorpix/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix through Getty Pictures)

A household heirloom, the Dorset bow brooch was Queen Mary’s wedding ceremony reward from the county of Dorset. It was then given to Elizabeth for her wedding ceremony, and she or he went on to put on it continuously, together with for the Christening of Prince Charles.

It was typically used to symbolise remembrance – the Queen wore it for a lot of Remembrance Day occasions, in addition to for the funeral of the Duke of Windsor.

The Queen Mom’s artwork deco leaf brooch

Prince Charles and his mother Princess Elizabeth II arrive at London airport after a trip in Italy, on April 25, 1951.
Sure, that's Charles (Image: INTERCONTINENTALE / AFP) (Photograph by -/INTERCONTINENTALE/AFP through Getty Pictures)

Crafted by Cartier in 1928, this brooch was handed alongside fairly a bit, given by King George VI to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mom, then to Queen Elizabeth II (Princess Elizabeth on the time) as a birthday current.

She wore it many occasions within the Nineteen Fifties, together with within the second above, when she touched down in London after a visit to Italy.

The aquamarine clip brooches

President Obama And The First Lady Lunch With The Queen and Prince Philip
The set was made by Boucheron ten years earlier than being given to Elizabeth on her 18th birthday (Image: Jack Hill – WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

State Opening Of Parliament 2021
She typically wore the pin pair with blue-toned outfits (Image: Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

These twin brooches have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 18th birthday reward from her dad and mom, so it’s no shock that the monarch completely adored them.

She wore the set many, many occasions throughout her reign, particularly on anniversaries linked to her father’s reminiscence, resembling on the date of her Jubilee.

You’ll spot the placing blue duo in pictures from the Queen’s message for her diamond Jubilee in 2012, for lunch with the Obamas in 2016, and for the opening of Parliament in 2021.

The diamond clematis brooch

 The first official photograph of Princess Elizabeth with her fiance Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace.
The primary official photograph of Princess Elizabeth together with her fiance Philip Mountbatten at Buckingham Palace, in 1947 (Image: Central Press/Getty Pictures)

Queen and Duke of Edinburgh Attend Commemorative Service At The Scottish National War Memorial
And right here she is sporting the identical brooch in 2014 (Image: Chris Watt/Getty Pictures)

Queen Elizabeth wore this gloriously sparkly diamond brooch for her official engagement pictures, and went on to carry it out a number of occasions over the subsequent many years.

The Metropolis of London lily brooch

Britain''s Queen Mother Celebrates 101st Birthday
Celebrating the Queen Mom’s one hundred and first birthday (Image: Sion Touhig/Getty Pictures)

Elizabeth was given this hefty diamond-encrusted lily design when she acquired the Freedom of the Metropolis of London. She went on to put on it a bunch, most notably for the Queen Mom’s one hundred and first birthday and the personal service for Princess Margaret.

The flower basket brooch

queen elizabeth II At The National Sports Centre At Bisham Abbey.
The Queen wore this joyous model for a lot of celebrations (Image: Tim Graham Photograph Library through Getty Pictures)

This vibrant model was one other reward from the Queen’s dad and mom, this time to mark the start of Charles. Years on, she wore it for Prince George’s Christening, too.

Queen Adelaide’s brooch

queen elizabeth II at 2012 opening ceremony of the olympics"/>
The Queen Adelaide brooch was handed down from the Queen Mom to Elizabeth (Image: JOHN STILLWELL/POOL/AFP through Getty Pictures)

You may recognise this diamond brooch from the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.

It was created for King William IV’s consort, Queen Adelaide, reusing different jewels to kind what was meant as a clasp for a pearl necklace. It has a big centre diamond, six round it, and smaller stones to finish the design.

The Kent amethyst brooch

Queen Elizabeth II in Portugal wears a necklace and brooch
Worn right here with the matching earrings and necklace, in Portugal in 1985 (Image: Tim Graham Photograph Library through Getty Pictures)

The Kent amethyst brooch is definitely a number of brooches.

The principle half is the one you’ll see most frequently, the highest hexagonal amethyst surrounded by diamond solar rays. This has some small loops on the backside, permitting for 3 smaller amethysts to be connected. It’s thought that there could also be some further brooch components, however that these have been hardly ever worn or have been connected to the matching necklace as a substitute.

The set was owned by Queen Victoria’s mom, the Duchess of Kent, who left it to her daughter, who then handed it down once more. Queen Elizabeth II was given the glowing jewels after her accession, and wore the totally different components many occasions over time.

Prince Albert’s sapphire and diamond brooch (also called Queen Victoria’s wedding ceremony brooch)

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with John F Kennedy and his wife Jackie Kennedy
President John F Kennedy and First Girl Jackie Kennedy pay a go to to the royal household (Image: Bettmann Archive)

Prince William's Christening
The Queen wore this brooch for Prince William’s Christening, too (Image: by Tim Graham Photograph Library through Getty Pictures)

The Queen at The Childrens Wood, Glasgow
Queen Elizabeth II visits the Kids’s Wooden Undertaking, a neighborhood challenge in Glasgow as a part of her conventional journey to Scotland for Holyrood Week on June 30, 2021 (Image: Andrew Milligan-WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

Prince Albert gave this brooch – an enormous sapphire set in gold and surrounded by 12 diamonds – to Queen Victoria the day earlier than their wedding ceremony, and she or he went on to put on it over and over till Albert handed away. It was handed all the way down to the Crown and as soon as in Queen Elizabeth II’s posession, turned one in every of her favourites.

She wore this sensible blue piece for Prince William’s Christening in addition to for her Christmas message in 2019.

Queen Victoria’s diamond bow brooches

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, go away St Paul’s Cathedral on the finish of the ceremonial funeral of British former prime minister Margaret Thatcher (Image: LEON NEAL / AFP) (Photograph by LEON NEAL/AFP through Getty Pictures)

Yep, plural – however Queen Elizabeth II solely actually wore separately.

This was a set of three bow-shaped diamond brooches, commissioned by Queen Victoria from Garrard and handed all the way down to Alexandra, then to Mary, then to Elizabeth I, then lastly to Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen wore items of this set for a lot of Remembrance occasions in addition to Margaret Thatcher’s funeral.

Queen Victoria’s ears of wheat

Queen Spain Visit
Right here the Queen is sporting one of many six brooches as a hair accent (Image: Tim Graham Photograph Library through Getty Pictures)

Queen Elizabeth II And Prince Philip Visit Oman
And listed here are two worn as brooches, in Oman (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Pictures)

One other set that’s bigger than you may realise. There are in actual fact six of those massive diamond ears of wheat, however the Queen usually wore two at a time.

They have been made for Queen Adelaide on the request of her husband by Rundell, Bridge & Co, then redone by Garrard in 1858.

Queen Elizabeth II wore the wheat ears not solely as brooches however as hair ornaments, too, and lent them to Princess Eugenie for her wedding ceremony reception.

The Cambridge emerald cluster brooch

M Queen Elizabeth II at the 2012 Olympic park site
M Queen Elizabeth II arrives at Holden Level to view the 2012 Olympic park web site (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Pictures)

A spherical emerald surrounded by diamonds, with the choice to dangle one other Cambridge emerald pendant.

Cambridge pearl pendant brooch

Queen Elizabeth with Husband and Prince Edward
The Queen wore this easy pearl brooch for her fiftieth birthday portrait (Image: Bettmann Archive)

This gorgeous pearl brooch belonged to the Duchess of Cambridge – no, not Kate, however Queen Mary’s grandmother, Princess Augusta. In 1953, Queen Mary then handed it all the way down to Elizabeth II.

The late monarch wore the piece for her fiftieth birthday portrait, for her 2014 Christmas message, and in a Zoom name in 2021.

The Queen Mom’s palm leaf brooch (also called the paisley brooch)

The Wedding Of Lady Gabriella Windsor And Mr Thomas Kingston
Queen Elizabeth II attends the marriage of Girl Gabriella Windsor and Mr Thomas Kingston at St George’s Chapel on Could 18, 2019 in Windsor, England (Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press through Getty Pictures)

One of many Queen’s most continuously worn brooches, this can be a less complicated diamond design within the form of a leaf.

The Queen Mom cherished this specific piece of jewelry, sporting it repeatedly all through her life – together with whereas mourning King George VI.

Queen Alexandra’s wedding ceremony reward brooch

The Royal Family Attend The Annual Festival Of Remembrance
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh within the Royal Field on the Royal Albert Corridor through the Annual Pageant of Remembrance on November 7, 2015 (Image: Chris Jackson – WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

Kate Middleton wearing the brooch during a State Visit Of The King And Queen Of The Netherlands
Right here, the Duchess wears the matching necklace (Image: John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

This brooch types a part of a grand Garrard set made for Princess Alexandra of Denmark for her wedding ceremony, comprised of a giant diamond tiara, a diamond and pearl necklace, a set of earrings, and a brooch.

The Queen typically wore the brooch, notably for Remembrance occasions, and the earrings, whereas Kate Middleton and the Queen Mom have been noticed sporting the necklace.

The trendy diamond and ruby spray brooch

Queen Elizabeth Visits MI5
Queen Elizabeth II talks with MI5 officers throughout a go to to the headquarters of MI5 at Thames Home on February 25, 2020 (Image: Victoria Jones – WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

The Queen typically wore this with pink outfits, for apparent motive: the rubies made the brooch a pure accent.

She wore it for a number of state dinners and her diamond Jubilee stroll.

Queen Mary’s Richmond brooch

the queen at harry and meghan's wedding
Elizabeth II wore this hefty brooch for Meghan and Harry’s weddin Pool/Max Mumby/Getty Pictures)

An excellent ornate pearl and diamond design that the Queen wore for the marriage of Harry and Meghan.

Queen Mary’s pink sapphire and diamond brooch

The Royal Family Attend Church On Christmas Day 2018
Queen Elizabeth II attends Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham property on December 25, 2018 (Image: UK Press Pool/UK Press through Getty Pictures)

A candy pink sapphire, surrounded by massive spherical diamonds and smaller diamonds between the stones, the Queen wore this one continuously by way of the years, together with for a portrait (by Mary McCartney, daughter of Paul) to commemorate her turning into the longest-reigning British monarch.

True lover’s knot brooch

Queen Elizabeth II at Prince William and Kate Middelton's wedding
The Queen wore the true lover’s knot brooch for Kate and William’s wedding ceremony (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Pictures)

One other one of many Queen’s diamond bows, this seems to be the biggest of the bunch.

It was made by Garrard for Queen Mary and inherited by Elizabeth II in 1953.

She typically wore it to carry her poppy on Remembrance Day, and donned it for Will and Kate’s wedding ceremony in 2018.

The New Zealand silver fern brooch

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge unveil a portrait of the Queen on a Tour Australia And New Zealand
Right here’s the Queen sporting the New Zealand fern brooch in an official portrait… (Image: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Kate Middleton on a Tour of Australia And New Zealand
And right here’s Kate sporting that exact same brooch on the identical tour of New Zealand (Image: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Because the identify suggests, the Queen wore this brooch for occasions associated to New Zealand, after being given it by the spouse of the Mayor of Auckland for Christmas in 1953.

Elizabeth II even lent it to Kate, now the Princess of Wales, for her tour of New Zealand in 2014.

The pearl triangle brooch

 Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Journalists' Charity at the Stationers' Hall in 2014
The Queen had this brooch since at the least the Nineteen Fifties (Image: Mark Giant – WPA Pool /Getty Pictures)

One of many extra delicate, smaller pearl brooches owned by the Queen, comprised of two pearls and a yellow diamond set in a diamond body.

Elizabeth wore this for her walkabout outdoors St James Palace on the day earlier than Princess Diana’s funeral, in addition to for a marriage anniversary portrait in 1979.

The golden dahlia brooch (also called the golden sunflower brooch)

Queen Elizabeth II visits the Chelsea Flower Show in 2003
An apparent selection for the Chelsea Flower Present in 2003 (Image: Anwar Hussein/Getty Pictures)

One other work by Garrard, the Queen clearly cherished this accent, sporting it for public appearances at the least 40 occasions.

It has a diamond flower (dahlia or sunflower? That’s as much as you…) surrounded by 18 carat gold petals.

The grima ruby brooch (also called the scarab brooch)

The Royal Maundy Service At Manchester Cathedral
It’s fairly the assertion piece (Image: Mark Cuthbert/UK Press through Getty Pictures)

The Queen acquired this brooch – made up of repurposed rubies, gold, and diamonds and created by jeweller Andrew Grima – from the Duke of Edinburgh, and went on to put on it in tribute to the Duke after his passing.

Elizabeth additionally opted for this brooch for her seventieth wedding ceremony anniversary portrait.

The Jardine star brooch

Queen Elizabeth II Receives The Addresses From Both Houses Of Parliament in 2012
Queen Elizabeth II arrives to handle each Homes of Parliament at Westminster Corridor on March 20, 2012 (Image: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

This one feels fairly Christmassy, no?

The Jardine star was left to the Queen by Girl Jardine, and has eight twinkling diamond rays that encompass a central cluster of eight diamonds.

The diamond and pearl leaf brooch

The Queen, on her 73rd birthday
The Queen wore this pearl and diamond leaf brooch in 1999, and handed it on to Kate Middleton in later years (Image: PA)

Kate Middleton at the procession of Queen Elizabeth II's coffin
The Princess of Wales wore the piece for the procession of the Queen’s coffin (Image: Marco BERTORELLO / AFP)

Kate, Princess of Wales, wore this brooch to the procession of the Queen’s coffin.

This isn’t one in every of Queen Elizabeth II’s most well-known brooches – in actual fact, it’s hardly ever been seen.

The Queen was noticed sporting it on a yellow gown again in 1999, in Seoul, however we knew it had been handed alongside to Kate extra just lately, because the Princess of Wales donned it for a go to to Belgium.

Queen Victoria’s 11 pearl and diamond brooch

A Service Of Commemoration - Afghanistan Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II departs a Service of Commemoration for troops who have been stationed in Afghanistan on March 13, 2015 (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Pictures)

One other pearl brooch that belonged to Queen Victoria, this one has 11 massive pearls; eight in a diamond form and three hanging down as pendants.

It was handed to the Crown and worn continuously by the Queen Mom till 2002, when it was handed on to Queen Elizabeth II, who has worn it a number of occasions to the Royal Windsor Horse Present.

The Courtauld Thomson scallop shell brooch (also called the Queen Mom’s shell brooch)

Queen Mother's Birthday
Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mom, arrives at The Guildhall with Princess Margaret, London, for a lunch to have fun her one centesimal Birthday, twenty seventh June 2000 ((Image: Colin Davey/Getty Pictures)

Queen at Royal Ascot 2019
After her mom’s dying, Queen Elizabeth II wore this assertion brooch typically (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Pictures)

A slightly grand design within the form of a shell, this has strong rows of diamonds with a pearl on the base.

It was designed by Lord Courtauld-Thomson for the Queen Mom, who went on to put on it continuously – together with for her one centesimal birthday celebrations.

After the Queen Mom died, Elizabeth II took the shell brooch into her assortment and wore it on a number of events, together with Royal Ascot, a funeral, Remembrance Sunday, an Easter service, and her 2020 Christmas broadcast

The Braemar feather brooch

The 2019 Braemar Highland Games the Queen wearing the Braemar feather brooch
The Queen was given this eagle feather brooch for her golden Jubilee – it has a Jubilee stamp on the again (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Pictures)

The Braemar Royal Highland Gathering
She wore it for each Braemar Gathering after that (Image: Anwar Hussein/Getty Pictures)

The Braemar Royal Highland Society gave this eagle’s feather brooch – made with 24 carat yellow gold, white gold, silver, and platinum – to the Queen to mark her golden Jubilee.

After that, the Queen wore this yearly, for the annual Braemar Gathering.

The Queen Mom’s Cartier lily brooch

The President Of The Republic Of South Africa Makes A State Visit To The UK
Spot that lengthy factor on the Queen’s left shoulder? Yep, that’s the Cartier brooch (Image: Lewis Whyld /WPA Pool/Getty Pictures)

This weighty design is usually known as a footlong, however in actual fact measures in at slightly below 7 inches lengthy… which continues to be big for a brooch. Image a 6inch Subway sandwich in your lapel – it’d make fairly the assertion.

The brooch, in fact, will not be product of bread and your selection of fillings, however as a substitute greater than 200 diamonds from the Queen Mom’s assortment, then an additional 50 added by Cartier for good measure.

The dramatic piece was commissioned in 1939 for the Queen Mom, and has a protracted stem with a lily flower design on the high.

Due to its dimension, Queen Elizabeth II didn’t put on it typically, however when she did, you couldn’t assist however marvel at it.

The Queen Mom’s aquamarine artwork deco brooch

Queen at Trooping Of The Colour 2021
Queen Elizabeth II attends Trooping Of The Color in 2021 (Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Pictures)

You should have noticed this pinned to lots of Queen Elizabeth II’s blue outfits, for apparent causes.

It’s not identified who made this specific piece, however many imagine it’s one other Cartier traditional.

After the Queen Mom’s dying, Elizabeth II inherited the brooch and went on to put on it for one in every of her Christmas messages.

The centenary rose brooch

Queen Elizabeth II arrives by carriage as she attends Royal Ascot 2018
Queen Elizabeth II arrives by carriage as she attends Royal Ascot Day 3 at Ascot Racecourse on June 21, 2018 (Image: Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage)

 Britain's Queen Elizabeth II leaves St Mary Magdalene's church on Christmas 2014
Christmas Day church service, 25 December 2004 (Image: CHRIS RADBURN/AFP through Getty Pictures)

Elizabeth II commissioned this gorgeous piece from Collins and Sons for the Queen Mom’s one centesimal birthday. It has a hand-painted Grandiflora Rose – a flower grown by the Queen Mom – surrounded by 100 diamonds.

The Queen went on to put on it after her mom’s dying, together with for the Royal Windsor Horse Present and the 2004 Christmas service.

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