Queen Camilla paid a poignant tribute today to a beloved member of the Royal Family, as she headed to the Vatican to meet Pope Leo. The Queen wore an all black ensemble today as she arrived at San Damaso courtyard in the State Bentley.
She donned a black silk dress by Fiona Clare, a black mantilla by Phillip Treacy and a “raspberry pip” brooch in the shape of a cross. The brooch holds quite a significance as it belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth and is estimated to be worth a whopping £40,000.
Camilla first debuted the brooch on Christmas Day in 2023, becoming the first royal after the late Queen to wear it after decades.
Designed in the shape of a Georgian cross, the breathtaking jewel appears to be set with a combination of topaz and diamonds.
Maxwell Stone, of jewellers Steven Stone, said of the brooch: “I’d estimate the brooch to be worth around £40,000.
“While that may seem significant, it’s actually quite modest compared to Queen Elizabeth II’s most expensive brooch – the Cullinan III and IV brooch, which is valued at an astonishing £50,000,000.”
The highlight of the visit will be a midday prayer service in the Sistine Chapel that marks the first time since the Reformation that the heads of the two Christian churches will pray together.
The Catholic Church and Church of England have been divided for centuries over issues that include the ordination of female priests and LGBTQ+ faithful.
During the visit to Rome, Charles will also formally receive a new title and recognition at a pontifical basilica that has strong, traditional ties to the Church of England, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls.
The title “Royal Confrater” is a sign of spiritual fellowship and was reciprocated by Charles: Leo was given the title of “Papal Confrater of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.”
The visit comes as the Royal Family is under intense scrutiny over Prince Andrew’s ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.