Queen Camilla has an extensive collection of jewellery, many pieces of which she wears on significant occasions, including her Diamond Leek Brooch.
It is a symbolic piece that Camilla often dons for Welsh-related events. She has worn it during visits to Wales and engagements connected to the Welsh Guards, a regiment her husband, Charles III, formerly served as Colonel until his accession in September 2022.
Camilla wearing her diamond leak brooch during a visit to Cardiff in 2022. (Royal Family)
The History of the Diamond Leek Brooch
The Diamond Leek Brooch worn by Queen Camilla is a replica of the original brooch owned by Elizabeth II. The original piece was presented to the late Queen as a regimental gift, funded by contributions from the Welsh Guards themselves. In 1960, each guardsman contributed 12 and a half pence to commission the brooch.
The brooch bears the likeness of the cap badge of the Welsh Guards, showcasing a leek—a national symbol of Wales. Queen Elizabeth II debuted the brooch in 1965 during a presentation of the colours to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in the grounds of Buckingham Palace. The piece became closely associated with her and her connection to the regiment.
Camilla’s Brooch: A Modern Replica
It is believed that Camilla received her Diamond Leek Brooch as a gift following her marriage to Charles in 2005. While similar to Queen Elizabeth II’s original, Camilla’s brooch features slight variations in design.
Queen Camilla has worn her brooch on notable occasions, such as the 2009 presentation ceremony of Operational Service Medals for Afghanistan to soldiers of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. She also wore it in 2015 during the presentation of New Colours to the Welsh Guards at Windsor Castle. In recent years, she has been seen wearing the brooch during annual summer visits to Wales in 2015 and during her first visit to Wales following Queen Elizabeth II’s death and King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
Camilla alongside the the late Queen during the presentation of New Colours to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Windsor Castle. (The Army in London – HQ London District)
Leek Brooches and the Royal Family
The leek holds deep cultural significance as the national symbol of Wales. According to legend, its origins date back to the 7th century when Cadwaladr, King of Gwynedd, ordered his soldiers to wear leeks on their armor to distinguish themselves from the enemy. This practice inspired the Tudor royals, who instructed their guards to wear leeks on St. David’s Day, solidifying the tradition.
Other female members of the Royal Family also own leek brooches. Diana, Princess of Wales, was seen wearing one during a parade of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in London in 1990. The Princess of Wales is also known to own and wear a leek brooch for Welsh-related engagements. Queen Camilla notably wore hers on her first visit to Wales following the death of Elizabeth II, reinforcing its symbolic importance.
Catherine wearing her diamond leek brooch. (MOD).
The Diamond Leek Brooch is not just a piece of jewellery but a poignant reminder of the deep connection between the Royal Family and the Welsh Guards. With its rich history and national symbolism, the brooch continues to play a meaningful role in royal traditions and public life, embodying the heritage of Wales and its enduring ties to the Monarchy.
