The Significant Meaning Behind The Queen's Diamond Birthday Brooch

Jun 08, 2019 by apost team

Every June, the United Kingdom comes together on a Saturday to celebrate the ‘official’ birthday of the Queen (or King) with a parade known as ‘Trooping the Colour’.

And each year, the royals grace us with their gagworthy fashion choices: from Princess Beatrice’s hats, to Kate Middleton’s dresses - they could never disappoint. One accessory however, always seems to steal the show: and that is none other than the Queen’s birthday brooch, aka the Brigade of Guards.

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The brooch, which is made out of natural diamonds, is a combination of the badges of the five regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies: Welsh, Scots, Irish, Coldstream, and Grenadier.  In honor of the armies, the Queen sports their colors on her brooch on the day of the parade - hence the name, ‘Trooping the Colour’.

She switches the color of the diamond each year interchangeably depending on the army that is to be honored that year. The five badges are combined into an oval frame and sport the Latin phrase "Quinque Juncta In Uno," which means “Five joined as one”.

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Grant Mobley, a gemologist and diamond expert, spoke to MarieClaire.com and explained the significance of the brooch in more detail:  

"The Queen’s decision to wear this brooch is not only a testament to her high regard for the regiments of the British and Commonwealth armies, but also a testament to the significance of diamonds for life’s momentous milestones, such as a birthday," he said, "The symbolism engrained in this brooch, coupled with its natural diamond composition makes this breastpin the perfect accessory for the special event."

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The Brooch was originally created for Queen Elizabeth’s grandmother, Queen Mary and has thus already been part of with family or quite a while. According to Mobley, it isn’t often that the Queen makes an appearance without a diamond brooch, and tends to eventually pass them down to other members of the royal family.

What do you think of the Queen’s brooch? What is your favorite piece of royal jewellery? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!