Tuesday night at the King’s Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace, the Princess of Wales was the epitome of royalty.
The wife of Prince William wore the “Elodie Gown,” a truly stunning red sequin dress by reputable royal designer Jenny Packham, to the event. The late Queen Elizabeth II’s earrings, Princess Margret’s Lotus Flower tiara, and a touching brooch bearing the late monarch’s image were all added flourishes to the royal’s beaded, scarlet-hued ensemble.
Photo: Getty Images
The mysterious brooch worn by Princess Kate is actually the Royal Family Order. The priceless jewelry item features a young Queen Elizabeth II wearing an evening gown and the Order of the Garter’s ribbon and star.
The delicate pendant is mounted with a Tudor Crown made of diamonds and red enamel, and it is painted on ivory (glass as of 2017).
The royal cypher and St. Edward’s Crown are displayed on the back of the brooch in gold and enamel, and they are attached to a chartreuse silk ribbon that is tied in a bow. Princess Kate, however, has the Royal Family Order, but why?
Photo: Getty Images
The Princess of Wales’s trust in her former Majesty is touchingly symbolized by the extremely rare jewelry item, which is only ever worn to formal occasions.
The brooches are a symbol of membership in the Royal Family Order, which the monarch bestows on female members of the Firm.
Only 15 women received the honor during the late Queen’s reign, according to MailOnline. Women in the royal court typically did not have the same commemorative medals as their male counterparts, so it is thought that George IV introduced the honor in the 1800s.
The Princess of Wales, the Queen Consort, the Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Kent, the Duchess of Gloucester, and the Honorable Lady Ogilvy are the seven recipients who are still alive.
Kate attended the lavish event where the monarch and other members of the royal family welcomed over 500 members of the Diplomatic Corps in the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, along with her husband, the Prince of Wales, King Charles, and Queen Consort Camilla.
