Many of Queen Elizabeth’s Stunning Brooches Have a Secret Meaning
Queen Elizabeth’s jewelry collection is one of the most impressive on the planet. It’s filled with gold, platinum, and silver, not to mention the oversized diamonds, rubies, pearls, and other gems. But Her Majesty’s jewels aren’t just for adding a little bling to her wardrobe. Many pieces have fascinating, secret meanings. Especially her collections of stunning brooches.
7. Queen Elizabeth’s late husband gave her The Scarab Brooch
In 1966, Prince Philip gave Queen Elizabeth the Scarab Brooch, which gives the piece a special meaning. Designed by Andrew Grima and crafted out of yellow gold, with carved ruby and diamond embellishments, the queen has worn this brooch several times over the years. Most notably, Her Majesty wore it for her and Philip’s official platinum anniversary portrait in 2017.
6. The Flower Basket Brooch
In 1948, the Queen’s parents gave her the Flower Basket Brooch to celebrate the birth of her first child, Prince Charles. Her Majesty wore this piece for her first official portrait with her newborn. Decades later, she wore it to the christening of Charles’ first grandchild — Prince George.
5. The Centenary Rose Brooch
For the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday, Her Majesty commissioned the Centenary Rose Brooch, which is framed by 100 diamonds. Made by Collins and Sons, this brooch features a hand-painted Queen Elizabeth Grandiflora Rose on rock crystal. The Queen Elizabeth Grandiflora Rose was a special flower bred for Her Majesty’s coronation in 1953.
4. Queen Elizabeth wears the Maple Leaf Brooch when she visits Canada
First owned by the Queen Mother, the Maple Leaf Brooch was a gift to Her Majesty from her father King George VI. In the spring of 1939 – just before the outbreak of World War II – Elizabeth and her father made a state visit to Canada.
Made by Asprey, the brooch features diamonds set in platinum in the form of the Canadian Sugar Maple, the national emblem of Canada. Over the years, the queen has worn this brooch for Canadian-focused events.
Her Majesty also has a New Zealand Silver Fern Brooch that was gifted to her by the “women of Auckland” during a visit in the 1950s. Designed in the shape of a fern, the queen still wears this piece when visiting – you guessed it – New Zealand.
3. The Prince Albert Brooch
The legacy of this piece dates back to the days of Queen Victoria. The Prince Albert Brooch is a gold-set sapphire and diamond piece that Prince Albert gifted to his wife the day before their wedding. Queen Victoria then decided to wear the brooch on her wedding gown.
In her will, Victoria designated the piece of jewelry as an heirloom of the crown. This means that the subsequent reigning monarch would inherit it. Every queen and queen consort has worn the brooch since Victoria’s death. Including Queen Elizabeth, who wears it quite often.
2. The Duchy of Lancaster Brooch
Just like every other monarch since 1399, Queen Elizabeth also holds another title – the Duke of Lancaster. The Duchy of Lancaster is a key source of income for the royal family. And the queen often wears this brooch that mimics the Duchy’s coat of arms when she visits Lancaster.
1. Queen Elizabeth wears the Chelsea Iris Brooch to one of her favorite events
One of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite annual events is the Chelsea Flower Show, which is put on by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). As their royal patron, the RHS gave the queen the Chelsea Iris Brooch to mark her Diamond Jubilee. It’s in the shape of a flower that’s associated with the show, the Iris Unguicularis.
