All eyes were on Queen Camilla this week as she stepped out for her first appearance since Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis. While the queen graciously accepted well wishes for the Princess of Wales during a tour of the Shrewsbury Farmers’ Market, she also dressed to impress. The detail that most caught our eye? Her oversized queen bee brooch. (Of course, Camilla’s is likely plucked from the royal vault, but we found several similar styles like this sparkly one from Joanna Buchanan for $148.)
Queen Camilla Just Wore a Fabulous ‘Queen Bee’ Accessory and We’re Obsessed
We can‘t stop buzzing about it
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Published Mar 28, 2024
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Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Rather cheeky of Her Majesty to wear a queen bee pinned to her coat’s lapel? After all, she has been holding down the fort in the wake of the pressure on the monarchy in recent times. In fact, it appears there was a job-related reason for the choice: While at the farmers’ market, she met with members of the local Bee Keeper’s Association. (Credit to Camilla—or whoever dresses her—for the sartorial creativity.)
It made us want our own—that’s for sure, which is why we dug up similar options that felt equally bedazzling and, TBQH, perfect for spring.
Joanna Buchanan
1. Joanna Buchanan Sparkle Bee Brooch
Joanna Buchanan
This one’s made from 14-karat gold and crystal glass.
Clifton Wilson
2. Clifton Wilson Pearl Bee Lapel Pin
Clifton Wilson
The silver—in combination with a bold pearl—is so striking here.
Joanna Buchanan
3. Joanna Buchanan Gem Bug Brooch
Joanna Buchanan
Sure, this one is labeled as a gem bug, but it still looks abstractly bee-like to us.
It’s worth noting that Queen Camilla chose to pair the larger queen bee with a smaller insect brooch, which many believe likely belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II. According to the Court Jeweller, who references a mention of a diamond bee brooch set with a cabochon sapphire in The Queen’s Jewels by Leslie Field, there’s a chance that the smaller pin was one of the first-ever brooches given to Queen Elizabeth II—and never before seen in public.
Of course, we know that Queen Camilla has a huge affinity for jewelry and hasn’t shied away from showcasing several storied pieces in recent months. (This tiara choice, oh la la.)
In terms of adding a bee brooch to your own collection, a reminder: Brooches—for women, for men—are trending. You can’t go wrong.
