Queen Camilla paid a sweet tribute to her late mother-in-law today, Queen Elizabeth II, as she attended the Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral with King Charles.
Today, the King gave Maundy money to 76 men and 76 women – one for every year of his age – in thanks for their Christian service to their communities.
After the service in the 932-year-old cathedral, the royal couple walked into the spring sunshine and met some of the crowds of people gathered outside.
The Queen sported a bottle green Anne Valentine dress, which she paired with a colour-matching Philip Treacy hat, a black cropped Amanda Wakeley cape, black heels, black gloves and a black Chanel bag.
She also wore a dazzling diamond and emerald brooch from 1893, which once belonged to the late monarch.
The emerald and diamond Celtic knot brooch is estimated to be worth £80,000 and is dating back to 1893.
It originally belonged to Queen Mary and is said to have been one of her wedding gifts.
The stunning piece was owned by the late Queen Elizabeth, after she inherited most of her grandmother’s jewellery, with the late monarch notably wearing it at a State Banquet for the President of Ireland in 2014.
Zack Stone, of jewellers Steven Stone, said: “It’s heartwarming to see that Queen Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth II’s emerald and diamond Celtic knot brooch to today’s service.
“Dating back to 1893, it’s a historic piece that was previously worn by Queen Mary.
“Queen Camilla showcased it during a visit to Belfast in 2023 and most recently, during hers and the King’s trip to Italy.
“The design of a traditional Celtic knot is echoed in the brooch by lines of diamonds intertwining around a central emerald, believed to be a cabochon – one of the oldest and most coveted gemstones, used since ancient times.
“Celtic knots are not only symbolic of strength, balance, and harmony, but are also closely associated with love, eternity, and enduring relationships – making Queen Camilla’s choice all the more meaningful given that she and the King celebrated their wedding anniversary just last week.
“I’d estimate a piece like this to retail at approximately £80,000.”
