In recent years, Queen Camilla has worn an item of jewellery in her collection in the form of a simple but shiny Art Deco brooch. The elegant piece has drawn significant attention from royal watchers and jewellery enthusiasts alike for its understated yet intricate design.
The exact origins of the brooch remain somewhat mysterious, but there is enough historical context to piece together its potential provenance. The brooch is rectangular in shape and features four triangular sections, with a prominent central gem—possibly a diamond—connecting the sections in a geometric, symmetrical arrangement. This design is characteristic of the Art Deco period, which favored clean lines and bold shapes.
The King and Queen lead members of the Royal Family to the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham
Notable Appearances of the brooch
Queen Camilla first wore the brooch for the Christmas Day service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in 2022. Just a few months later in June 2023, Queen Camilla showcased the brooch during one of her appearances at Royal Ascot. Social media accounts associated with Ascot noted that the brooch had once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, although it was never publicly worn by the late Queen. This revelation added another layer of intrigue, sparking discussions about its history and how it became part of Camilla’s collection.
The brooch made another high-profile appearance during the final day of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s State Visit to France in September 2023. Its inclusion in her ensemble during such significant events suggests that the brooch holds special importance, either sentimentally or historically.
Historical origins of the Art Deco Brooch
Some jewellery historians and royal experts have speculated that the brooch might have originally been a wedding gift from Queen Mary to her daughter-in-law, Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, the Duchess of Kent. Queen Mary was known for her extensive jewellery collection and her penchant for gifting exquisite pieces to family members. Photographs and accounts from the 1930s and 1940s show Princess Marina wearing a brooch that bears a striking resemblance to Queen Camilla’s.
Following the death of the Duke of Kent in 1942, Princess Marina is believed to have sold several pieces of her jewellery, potentially including this brooch, back to the Royal Family. Such transactions were not uncommon during times of financial strain or personal loss and ensured that valuable heirlooms remained within royal circles.
Camilla wearing the art deco brooch in France. (Defence Imagery)
Although its full history remains shrouded in mystery, the Art Deco brooch has quickly become a staple in Queen Camilla’s collection. Its appearances during major events, combined with its potential ties to historical figures like Queen Mary and Princess Marina, lend the piece both a personal and historical resonance. As more details about its origins potentially emerge, the brooch continues to capture the imagination of royal jewellery enthusiasts around the world.
