Queen Camilla Kicks Off Royal Week with 100-Year-Old Brooch Honoring Queen Elizabeth
While the occasion was centred on honoring the guests, Camilla's elegant appearance also caught attention. Or should we say, a special piece of jewelry.
The annual Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse once again turned heads, and the King and Queen hosted it at the historic royal residence as part of Scotland's summer celebrations. King Charles and Queen Camilla, at the event, welcomed around 8,000 guests from across the country, recognising the dedication of people who make a difference in their communities. Joined by Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, the King and Queen spent the afternoon meeting representatives from Scottish charities, community organisations, local businesses, and public service workers.
The tradition of the Holyroodhouse Garden Party dates back to the reign of King George V and Queen Mary and remains one of the highlights of Royal Week, when the monarch officially resides in Edinburgh. Guests enjoyed tea, sandwiches, and the Palace's famous cake while strolling through the beautiful gardens. While the occasion was centred on honoring the guests, Camilla's elegant appearance also caught attention. For the day, the Queen chose a striking royal blue coat dress featuring a fitted embroidered bodice and a softly flared skirt. She paired it with a matching underdress, heels, and her signature hatinator. A layered pearl necklace completed the polished look, but it was one historic accessory that quietly stole the spotlight.
Pinned to her coat was Queen Mary's Diamond Thistle Brooch, which is nearly 100 years old. The brooch has never been officially valued, though experts have suggested it could command a mid- to high-six-figure price if it were ever sold, thanks to its royal provenance and historical importance. In fact, royal provenance can dramatically increase the value of historic jewelry. In recent years, several pieces once owned by Queen Mary have sold for millions of dollars at auction, illustrating how historical significance often outweighs the intrinsic value of the gemstones themselves.
More than simply a beautiful jewel, the brooch served as a thoughtful tribute to the late Queen while also celebrating Scotland's heritage. The diamond thistle has long symbolized Scotland, making it an especially fitting choice for the annual garden party at Holyroodhouse. As per Tatler, the brooch has a remarkable royal history. It was created by Edward & Sons and presented to Queen Mary in 1927. Loving the piece, Queen Mary reportedly wore it frequently, on multiple occasions, and on her passing, it was passed down to the newly crowned Queen Elizabeth.
The publication detailed how Elizabeth did not publicly wear it until 2010, when it appeared in an official portrait at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It later became one of her favourite Scottish jewels, worn during important engagements including the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2021, its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2019, and the opening of the Queensferry Crossing in 2017.
Camilla's decision to revive the treasured brooch carried even greater meaning this year. By choosing a jewel so closely associated with Elizabeth's appearances in Scotland, the Queen honored both her predecessor's legacy and the centuries-old royal traditions that continue to define Royal Week.
