On the visit of the King & Queen to Canada this week to open Parliament in Ottawa, on Monday (May 26th) Queen Camilla has chosen to wear the Asprey Maple Leaf Brooch and 167 Button Pendant during her visit to Ottawa, Canada.
This is especially significant given the political connotations of their visit. Since Donald Trump has been implying this year that Canada should join the United States as the 51st state, the Crown has been keen to demonstrate support of the nation, whose head of State is King Charles.
The King and Queen’s arrival for the opening of parliament and Queen Camilla’s wearing of the brooch subtly suggests that the King and the UK are firmly behind the Canadian government.
The Canadian Maple Leaf Brooch, was given to Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, by King George VI during their 1939 state visit to Canada. Made by Asprey it consists of platinum and diamonds and was shaped like a sugar maple leaf—the national emblem of Canada.
It was first worn publicly during their Atlantic crossing. See here Queen Elizabeth’s most significant jewellery pieces.
In 2002, Queen Elizabeth II inherited the brooch and loaned it to both the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge for their Canadian tours. She most recently wore it in an official portrait marking Canada’s 150th anniversary.
Meanwhile, the 167 Button Pendant – first launched in 2004 as part of a signature collection – draws inspiration from the refined detailing of couture, specifically the elegance of signature buttons on fine garments.
Queen Camilla is pictured wearing her pendant on her visit to Canada this week. Made of 18carat white gold, the pendant features a central amethyst and surrounded by pavé-set diamonds.
The Princess of Wales previously wore the 167 pendant, a gift from the Prince of Wales early in their relationship in 2006. She also wore the Maple brooch on a visit ton Canada in 2011.
Queen Camilla often wears brooches to signify support of a cause. For the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations on May 5 Queen Camilla wore a brooch that was a sentimental nod to her family history. As part of her outfit, Queen Camilla wore the 12th Royal Lancers Brooch, the regiment of her late father Major Bruce Shand.
Princess Katherine also joined the Royal family on the balcony at Buckingham Palace on VE Day to watch an aerial fly past of the Red Arrows. Whilst waving to the crowd, she also gave eagle-eyed jewellery fans a glimpse of the three-stranded pearl bracelet that used to belong to the late Princess Diana.
Like this? Take a look at the meaning behind Kate Middleton’s shamrock pin.
