Throughout her reign, Elizabeth II selected jewellery to reflect her engagements, often wearing brooches that honoured the emblems of Commonwealth nations when visiting them, or a nod to connections of charities and organisation. Among these more recognisable pieces is the New Zealand Silver Fern Brooch, highlighting the strong ties between the UK and New Zealand, who share a Monarch.
The brooch itself is in the shape of a tree fern leaf, New Zealand’s floral emblem and a distinctive national symbol. Made of platinum, the stem of the leaf runs through the centre, curving slightly, set with baguette diamonds, while the fronds of the fern are brilliants encased in jagged borders of the silver-toned metal. It measures approx 7.3cm tall and 3cm wide.
The Queen’s New Zealand Silver-Fern Brooch. (Royal Collection Trust)
The New Zealand Silver Fern Brooch was a gift to the late Queen, presented on behalf of the Women of Auckland on Christmas Day 1953. The presentation took place during Elizabeth II’s historic Commonwealth tour following her Coronation, and the honour of gifting the brooch fell to Lady Allum, wife of the then-Mayor of Auckland. It was the first visit by a reigning Monarch.
That very day, the Queen wore the brooch for the first time at St Mary’s Cathedral, showcasing her appreciation for the intricately designed piece. According to jewellery expert Hugh Roberts, who has written extensively about Elizabeth II’s jewellery collection, the Queen was ‘delighted’ by the gift.
Elizabeth II’s official portrait commissioned by the Governor-General of New Zealand to commemorate her Diamond Jubilee © Crown Copyright
Lady Allum chaired the committee that funded the brooch, with the surplus funds going to support the post-wartime restoration of Westminster Abbey.
Over the decades, Elizabeth II frequently chose the fern brooch when attending events related to New Zealand; some of the most notable occasions including in 2006 when she wore the brooch at the official dedication of the New Zealand Memorial at Hyde Park Corner in London.
Elizabeth II extended the brooch’s legacy by loaning it to the Duchess of Cambridge for her visit to New Zealand in 2014 alongside her husband and a baby Prince George.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their son Prince George arrive at the Military Terminal at Wellington Airport on a Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft, April 2014, at the start of their Royal Tour of New Zealand and Australia; Kate wears the New Zealand fern brooch, on loan from the Queen
You might also remember, William and Catherine unveiled a new portrait of the Queen during this tour, which featured Elizabeth in the fern brooch.
Following Charles’ accession in September 2022, it remains to be seen how this special brooch will continue to feature in royal engagements. Queen Camilla has been bringing less known (and seen) pieces out from the vaults in recent months, but the fern brooch is one she is yet to wear.
