Queen Elizabeth II Wears Pair Of Aquamarine Brooches Given To Her By Her Parents For State Opening

May 12, 2021 by apost team

The queen took on her first major public ceremonial duty since the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, when she attended, a scaled-back State Opening of Parliament on May 11, 2021. Philip, who was the nation's longest-reigning consort, passed away a few weeks ago on April 9. The duke, who was 99 when he passed, spent decades accompanying his wife to the grand occasion, taking his place on an ornate golden throne directly at his wife's side.

The queen, 95, has kept up with her work as sovereign at Windsor Castle even though she has been mourning the loss of her beloved husband of 73 years.

Her appearance at the State Opening will be the queen's first official time in public while in her role as the UK's head of state, and her first event outside of Windsor Castle since Prince Philip's passing just over a month ago. Her son Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, joined the queen at the event, but there was considerably less pomp than usual due to current and recent events. 

Charles has already been at his mother's side for the last three state openings in December 2019, October 2019, and June 2017. He took over for his father after Prince Philip fell ill with an infection and then retired from his public duties as a royal in 2017.

Elizabeth wore a matching pair of brooches that have a special meaning for her, as they were given to her by her parents more than 70 years ago. 

Prince Philip died on April 9, 2021, and was laid to rest in the Royal Vault at St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday, April 17, 2021. The late prince was buried alongside former kings of England and other royals, the Associated Press reported. Images from inside the funeral, where only a select group of 30 people could attend due to coronavirus restrictions, showed Elizabeth sitting alone in the chapel. The queen was said to be heartbroken after losing her "strength and stay."

Philip's passing ended his reign as the longest-serving royal spouse, having served alongside Queen Elizabeth II for 65 years and having been married to the monarch for 73 years in total. His singular and incredible life continues to be remembered and celebrated by his family. Now that the official mourning period is over, the queen is getting back to her royal duties.

Her first appearance in public at an official event was the State Opening of Parliament. This event is usually the most colorful event of the parliamentary year and follows traditions and customs that date back centuries. The queen officially marks the beginning of the parliamentary session as she delivers what is called the Queen's Speech. In this speech, she will set out and describe the government's legislative plans for the upcoming year. The reigning political party's representatives usually prepare the speech.

The State Opening is usually known for its grand pomp and splendor, involving hundreds of people, elaborate dresses and costumes, and several ceremonies. It was scaled back this year due to the pandemic.

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For the official ceremony, Elizabeth wore a lilac coat over a floral dress, The entire look was decorated with pretty embroidered yellow flowers over her coat and hat, both of which were lilac. She wore white gloves and simple black shoes along with some meaningful jewelry that was beautiful and classy. 

The matching aquamarine brooches were the highlight of her coat, and they hold a very special meaning for the queen. Express UK reported that the gorgeous gems were given to then-Princess Elizabeth for her 18th birthday in 1944 by her parents. The brooches are made of clear aquamarines and diamonds and can be worn either as one large oval brooch or separately as they were worn by the queen on May 11.

The news outlet reported that the queen is particularly fond of these pieces and has worn them at a great many events, with the last event being the VE Day 75th Anniversary Address on 8 May 2020.

Elizabeth also wore a three-strand pearl necklace that she was also seen wearing at her first engagement after Philip's death. Express Uk reported that Leslie Field, who authored "The Queen’s Jewels," wrote that the necklace was a gift from her grandfather, George V, for this Silver Jubilee in 1935. 

Maggie Calmels, founder and Creative Director of Licensed to Charm, shared how Elizabeth has come to favor pearls since her marriage to Philip. She told the news outlet, "A symbol of purity and known as the ‘Queen of Gems’ the pearl is the ultimate in understated elegance."

What do you think of the beautiful brooches that Queen Elizabeth wore? Tell us about your favorite royal jewelry you have seen over the years, and be sure to ask your friends about what they think as well.