The Hidden Meaning Behind Queen Elizabeth’s VE Day Speech Accessories

Published May 8, 2020

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6:24pm

Queen Elizabeth paid tribute to her parents during her latest public appearance.

Today, the 94-year-old monarch addressed the world, just as her father King George VI did three-quarters of a century ago on May 8, 1945. The speech honored the 75th anniversary of VE Day (or Victory in Europe Day), which marks Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender.

During the address, Queen Elizabeth wore two aquamarine brooches on her left shoulder. The clips were a gift from her parents on her 18th birthday—a fitting tribute. The queen paired the accessories with her go-to three-strand pearl necklace (natch).

“I vividly remember the jubilant scenes my sister and I witnessed with our parents and Winston Churchill from the balcony of Buckingham Palace,” the queen said. “The sense of joy in the crowds who gathered outside and across the country was profound, though while we celebrated the victory in Europe, we knew there would be further sacrifice.”

Queen Elizabeth concluded the speech with a friendly reminder, saying, “But our streets are not empty. They are filled with the love and the care that we have for each other.”

Props to the queen for sending secret shout-outs, even with her accessories.

Greta Heggeness

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