Queen Camilla Steps Out in Princess Eugenie’s Wedding Tiara — But the Timing Raises Eyebrows
Queen Camilla made a bold statement when she donned a certain tiara at the Diplomatic Corps reception on November 18. She wore the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, the same heirloom loaned to Princess Eugenie for her 2018 wedding. While the coincidence would've been swept under the rug otherwise, its timing particularly stands out as Eugenie's father, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, continues to face the consequences of his actions. Camilla's choice could be a subtle show of support for Eugenie, who is going through a difficult situation.
Other than yesterday, the tiara had only seen the light of day at Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank, resting in the royal vault ever since. According to Marie Claire, people in Camilla's royal social circle expected her to wear the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara after it was removed from the Edwardians exhibit at The Queen's Gallery last week. Commenting on her well-timed choice, jewelry expert Lauren Kiehna called it a 'jaw-dropping' moment and a "plot twist of the century" in the Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor scandal. And much like her husband, the Queen Consort appears committed to not punishing the daughters for their parents' misgivings, wearing the headpiece to make her stance clear on the situation.
The Queen's interesting sartorial nod also comes at a time when Prince William is reportedly asking his father to push back against bringing the York sisters back into the royal fold so soon. However, the monarch allegedly 'feels responsible' to protect Beatrice and Eugenie from the constant scrutiny. Weighing in on the King's tricky situation, royal expert Ingrid Seward told The Sun, "I think that Charles feels quite responsible for these two girls, because it's been a hideous time for them. This is the very kind side of the King, to embrace them and give them something that they can actually do." She also pointedly stressed, "the sins of the father are not reflected on the children."
While Camilla may have worn the tiara as a thoughtful gesture, Eugenie would've likely not been pleased, considering the Queen allegedly played a great role in stripping her father of his royal titles. According to a report by PEOPLE, behind the scenes, both Camilla and Kate Middleton played decisive roles in pushing for a firm resolution after Mountbatten-Windsor failed to 'do the right thing.' The King, as sources say, was left exasperated by his embattled brother. An insider claimed, "There would have been a push from Camilla and Middleton, and there was pressure from William, who would not want to inherit the headache. It was a family decision."
And as for Camilla's public engagement at the Diplomatic Corps reception, what should have been a solemn royal outing instead made headlines for her intriguing tiara choice. The headpiece in question was created for Dame Margaret Greville and passed to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1942. It was later inherited by Queen Elizabeth II after her mother died in 2002. One can only imagine how William must've felt looking at his stepmother's interesting sartorial nod!