Queen Camilla’s $50,000 Garden Party Accessory Has a Hidden Meaning

Whoa

Published May 24, 2025

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1:00pm

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It's no secret that Queen Camilla loves to wear meaningful accessories. Just a few weeks ago, I saw the queen wearing a delicate gold necklace that paid tribute to her grandchildren while visiting Northern Ireland. And during her visit to Italy last month, the royal was spotted in a $10 million brooch (yes, $10 million) that was frequently worn by the late Queen Elizabeth. Once again, Camilla has turned heads with another standout piece that holds a special meaning.

Earlier this month, Queen Camilla and her husband, King Charles, hosted 8,000 guests at Buckingham Palace for their first Garden Party of 2025. For the occasion, the queen donned a stunning dark teal dress with a matching wide-brimmed hat. However, it was her dazzling jewelry that stole the show.

Maxwell Stone, Creative Director at UK retailer Steven Stone, examined the queen’s brooch—an intricately designed piece that features a round-cut turquoise—and shared a bit about its royal history, as well as its secret meaning.

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He said in a statement, "This historic brooch originally belonged to Queen Mary, who received it as a wedding gift from her in-laws in 1893. Like many treasured pieces in her collection, it was later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II."

He continued, "At its centre lies a round-cut turquoise—a gemstone long associated with healing, peace, and protection. Although Queen Elizabeth II did not wear the brooch publicly until 2014, it took on particular significance when she chose it for her televised address to the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020, a time of profound uncertainty."

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The jewelry expert also explained that the standout piece may hold even more significance for Camilla, due to her husband's recent health setbacks.

Stone said, "Queen Camilla’s decision to wear the brooch yesterday may have conveyed a deeper symbolic message—one of resilience, continuity, and quiet strength. When she wore it in June 2024, both King Charles and the Princess of Wales were in recovery from cancer treatment, and the nation was preparing for a pivotal general election."

As for the brooch's value? Stone estimates that it's worth at least £40,000 (which is approximately $50,800).

In addition to the king and queen, other royal family members attended the garden party, including Duchess Sophie, Prince Edward and Princess Anne. Buckingham Palace shared a recap video of the evening and wrote, "Their Majesties, joined by Members of The Royal Family, met guests who have travelled from across the country to attend. Guests are nominated by charities and organisations with Royal links, and are invited as a ‘thank you’ for their public service."

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Nakeisha Campbell

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