Kate Middleton wears Queen Alexandra’s Three Feathers Brooch for the first time

By Joshua Hendren

Catherine, Princess of Wales, paid a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law today at the official welcome ceremony at London’s Horse Guards Parade

Attending the occasion alongside Prince William and South African President Cyril Ramaphos, Kate looked resplendent in an Emilia Wickstead coat dress. But, it was Kate’s jewellery choices that eyes fixated upon, including a piece she has previously never worn before. 

For the first time, the Princess of Wales opted for Queen Alexandra’s Three Feathers Brooch, originally a wedding gift to Princess Alexandra of Denmark from the Ladies of North Wales when she married the Prince of Wales (who would later become King Edward VII) in 1863.

Made up of 18 brilliant-cut diamonds encircled by tiny emeralds, the brooch includes the emblematic Prince of Wales ostrich feathers and a scroll inscribed with the Prince of Wales’ motto “Ich Dien” (German for “I serve“). She paired the brooch with Princess Diana’s diamond and pearl drop earrings.

Upon Queen Alexandra’s death in 1925, the brooch passed to the Queen Mother, who would eventually gift the piece to Princess Diana to celebrate her engagement to Charles, then Prince of Wales. She wore it as a pendant on multiple occasions, including a visit to Austria in 1986.

After Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997, the jewellery returned to Queen Elizabeth II’s collection. In the 2000s, Camilla, now the Queen Consort, began wearing the brooch, such as here in 2006 at the film premiere of the British comedy-drama The History Boys.

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