Queen Camilla’s brooch generated a buzz when the mysterious insect-shaped accessory made an appearance as Her Majesty hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace on May 1st.
Her Majesty recognised those who support survivors of sexual assault and marked the relaunch of the Wash Bags Project – a scheme that provides a wash bag of toiletries, donated by pharmacy company Boots, to people who have been affected by rape and sexual abuse, offering a small gesture of comfort.
Looking elegant in a blue collared dress and black heels, Queen Camilla accessorised her outfit on the day with her loved blue Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet – alongside mysterious insect brooch pinned to her upper chest.
Maxwell Stone, creative director at Steven Stone believes the “cherished piece” may have been an item in Queen Elizabeth II’s collection and is work £5K.
Mr Stone said: “The origin of the brooch remains shrouded in mystery. Given Queen Camilla’s inheritance of Queen Elizabeth II’s extensive jewellery collection following her passing, speculation suggests that it could be the cherished piece believed to be among the late monarch’s earliest acquisitions, which is known to be a diamond bee brooch, adorned with a cabochon sapphire.”
The jewellery experts described the brooch “in the likeness of a horsefly” crafted in yellow gold. The insect’s body and eyes are adorned with sapphires, while its wings shimmer with the brilliance of diamonds.
The debut appearance of the brooch was during Queen Camilla’s visit to Shrewsbury back in March when she visited a Farmer’s Market and received a tour of food, artisan, jewellery and craft stalls. The brooch was pinned to her camel coat as she met with crowds of well-wishers waiting to greet her.
Camilla, 76, welcomed 300 guests to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday afternoon to recognise those who support survivors of sexual assault. Guests included Carrie Johnson, Zara McDermott, Cherie Blair and Theresa May.
She hailed those gathered for “standing up and committing yourselves to bringing an end to these heinous crimes” as she delivered a powerful speech on a cause she has championed for more than a decade.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres support victims in the immediate aftermath of an incident and specialise in undertaking forensic examinations, regardless of whether the victim wishes to report the crime.
During the event, Camilla read a letter from a survivor who had appreciated “the kindness of strangers at a very dark time” when given a washbag. She also spoke to all of those in the room who have helped survivors in their own different ways.
In Kind Direct joined the partnership with Her Majesty The Queen and Boots in 2023 as the fulfilment partner, and to date have distributed 4,800 washbags to 58 SARCs across the country supporting thousands of service users.
Camilla also shared positive news that the King was eager to return to his normal duties, and said he was “thrilled” to be back conducting royal engagements on Tuesday, despite continuing with his cancer treatment.
