For over a decade, Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has made waves in the fashion and jewelry world by wearing a wide array of royal heirlooms. These include a remarkable collection of diamonds, emeralds, pearls, sapphires, and aquamarines, each piece deeply rooted in royal history.
While much attention has been given to her glittering tiaras and iconic earrings, Catherine’s collection of brooches is a lesser-known yet equally important aspect of her royal wardrobe. Despite their rarity in her daily ensembles, brooches are significant pieces of jewelry for the princess, and many of them have been passed down to her from Queen Elizabeth II.
Some of these brooches have strong ties to the royal family’s legacy, while others were newly acquired for Catherine’s collection. Worn at formal events, these pieces symbolize not only her status but also the continuing tradition of the British monarchy.
In November 2022, Catherine debuted one of her most important brooches during a state visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to London. This brooch, featuring the Prince of Wales feathers adorned with diamonds and a stunning cabochon emerald drop, has a storied history. It is symbolic of her new role as Princess of Wales, a title she officially adopted in September 2022 following King Charles III’s ascension to the throne.
The feathers brooch dates back to 1863, when it was presented to Princess Alexandra of Denmark upon her marriage to Prince Albert Edward, Queen Victoria’s eldest son, who would later become King Edward VII. The Prince of Wales feathers is traditionally worn by the current Prince of Wales and their spouse, who holds the title of Princess of Wales.
As such, this historic brooch was passed down from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Camilla, the Princess of Cornwall, and now to Catherine. Though Princess Alexandra is not documented wearing the brooch, it is believed to have entered the royal vault after her death, becoming a prized piece among royal consorts.
Princess Diana, during her tenure as Princess of Wales, was the first to be photographed wearing the feathers brooch. She famously wore it as a pendant from a diamond necklace, despite her general preference for earrings over brooches. This marked the first public appearance of the piece since it was given to Princess Alexandra.
After Diana’s tragic death in 1997, the brooch made its way to Camilla, who wore it publicly during an appearance at the Cheltenham Horse Races in 2012. Camilla, now Queen Consort, passed the piece to Catherine as she took on the mantle of Princess of Wales.
But the Prince of Wales feathers is not the only brooch Catherine has inherited. She also has access to Queen Elizabeth II’s extensive brooch collection. One standout example is the sapphire brooch, also known as the Prince Albert brooch. This iconic piece was given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert the day before their wedding in 1840.
The brooch consists of a large oval-shaped sapphire set in gold and surrounded by 12 diamonds—a piece so cherished by Queen Victoria that she made it a crown heirloom, ensuring it would be passed down to future queens and consorts.
Catherine has often worn brooches at high-profile events that demand formal attire. In March 2023, she attended the Commonwealth Day Service alongside Queen Camilla and Sophie, Princess of Edinburgh. For this occasion, Catherine chose a striking crimson jacket and matching midi skirt, accessorized with a diamond and sapphire brooch that had once belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales.
As she continues to represent the British monarchy at home and abroad, Catherine’s jewelry choices, particularly her brooches, will undoubtedly play a role in solidifying her legacy as one of the most beloved modern royals.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
