King Charles III’s remarks were the main political event at the State Opening of Parliament last Wednesday, but for jewelry enthusiasts, Queen Camilla’s appearance (on her 77th birthday) in the Diamond Diadem took center stage.
The Diamond Diadem (above) is one of the most iconic crown jewels, created in 1820 for the coronation of King George IV, with diamond-adorned roses, thistles, and shamrocks—symbolizing England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively. It has a total of 1,333 diamonds, including a 4 ct. yellow diamond at the center, as well as two rows of pearls lining its band.
The headpiece’s historical and artistic significance makes it a treasured part of the royal regalia, and Camilla’s wearing it added to the grandeur of the occasion. The diadem on her head at this event steeped in centuries of protocol and ceremony also underscored Camilla’s acceptance and integration into the story of the British royal family.
The State Opening of Parliament is a cornerstone of the U.K.’s constitutional process, where the reigning monarch outlines the government’s agenda for the coming year. Queen Camilla’s decision to don the Diamond Diadem highlights the ceremonial unity between the monarchy and the state and the monarchy’s blending tradition with the contemporary duties of modern governance.
Though the Diamond Diadem was made for the king, since its first use it has traditionally been worn by queens and queens consort—Queen Elizabeth II wore it to State Openings, as well as for her own coronation in 1953. By wearing it, Queen Camilla honored the continuity of royal traditions.
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