Queen Elizabeth II Garden Party, Balmoral Castle, Scotland, Britain – 07 Aug 2012
If Diamonds and Sapphires could talk, Queen Elizabeth’s 181 year old brooch would surely spill the tea. It’s been witness to so many historic and momentous events over time, starting with the wedding of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.
On the Eve of their February 10, 1840 nuptials, Prince Albert gifted his bride with the sapphire and diamond cluster brooch. It is an oblong sapphire set in gold and surrounded by 12 round diamonds. In turn, Victoria gave him George III’s diamond star and garter (seen at his waist in the photo above), ceremonial insignia of the orders of knighthood. Of course, the brooch was not the only jewelry Victoria received from Albert on that sainted day. She wrote in her private journal, “I felt so happy when the ring was put on, and by my precious Albert. He clasped me in his arms and we kissed each other again and again.”
The Albert brooch has been with the royal family ever since the wedding, because Queen Victoria left it to the Crown in her will. It became Queen Elizabeth’s when she took the throne in 1952, but it has adorned many others, before and after her ascent.
King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The Queen wore the brooch with her coronation robes on 9 August 1902.
Queen Mary wore the brooch when Laying The Foundation Stone At The New Chapel At Stowe School Buckingham.
Queen Elisabeth (Queen Mother) got a go at the brooch on November 13, 1975, here pictured at her Netherlands reception in Soestdijk with princess Beatrix and Queen Juliana.
Which royal will get to wear it next? For now it remains in the safe keeping of Elizabeth and seems to be one of her favorite pieces.
