On 28th February, 1922, Princess Mary married Viscount Lascelles, the future 6th Earl of Harewood, in Westminster Abbey. Among the wedding gifts displayed at St James’s Palace was a jewel that linked the bride to her great-grandmother: Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet, presented to their only daughter by King George V and Queen Mary.
Continue reading “Queen Victoria’s Diamond and Sapphire Coronet”
On this day in 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place in Westminster Abbey. The first such ceremony to be televised, it gave her subjects the rare opportunity to see their new monarch resplendent in the robes and jewels of state — including the impressive Coronation Necklace and Earrings.
Continue reading “The Coronation Necklace and Earrings”
On this day in 1863, Princess Alexandra of Denmark, eldest daughter of the heir to the Danish throne, married Prince Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales.
Continue reading “Exploring Queen Alexandra’s Royal Wedding Attire”
Not quite a tiara, I know! But probably the most well known ‘sparkler’ in the royal collection, and thoroughly worthy of this inaugural ‘Tiara Tuesday’ post.
Instantly recognisable to many as the iconic crown featured on Queen Elizabeth II’s image on coins and stamps, this remarkable piece of jewellery was originally created for the coronation of George IV. It was designed for him to wear over his Cap of Estate during the procession to Westminster Abbey.
Continue reading “Tiara Tuesday – The Diamond Diadem”
20th June, 1897 – Queen Victoria’s diary entry
“This eventful day, 1897 has opened, and I pray God to help and protect me as He has hitherto done these sixty long eventful years!… God will surely help me on! How well I remember this day sixty years ago when I was called from my bed by dear Mama to receive the news of my accession!”
Some nine months after she became the longest reigning monarch in British history, surpassing her grandfather, George III, Queen Victoria reached another milestone: her Diamond Jubilee. Among the many wonderful gifts she received, including an beautiful lace fan from the ‘Worshipful Company of Fan Makers’ and a jade incense burner from the Emperor of China, there were more the personal gifts from children to their mama, or grandchildren to ‘Gangan’.
Continue reading “Queen Victoria’s Hesse Diamond Jubilee Brooch”
Prince Albert is remembered for many things – his interest in science and farming, his patronage of the arts, and the personal triumph that was the Great Exhibition – but what not enough people talk about, outside of already interested circles, is his fantastic eye for jewels.
Continue reading “Prince Albert’s Sapphire Cluster Brooch”
“At about ½ p. 12, I sent for Albert, who came to the Closet, where I was alone, & after few minutes I said, I thought he must be aware why I wished him & his brother to come here, & that it would make me too happy if he would consent to what I wanted (that he should marry me). We embraced each other over & over again & he was so kind & so affectionate. To feel I am loved by such an angel as Albert, is too great a happiness to describe, & really I felt it was the happiest & brightest moment in my life, which made up for all I had suffered & endured.”
Continue reading “The Royal Wedding of Victoria and Albert”
On this day in 1858, Victoria, The Princess Royal, eldest child of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, married Prince Frederick William of Prussia in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace.
The couple had first met back in 1851, when Frederick, along with his parents, Prince William of Prussia, and Princess Augusta of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, attended the opening of the Great Exhibition — Victoria had been 10 at the time, and Frederick 19. Victoria and Albert asked their daughter to be Frederick’s guide through the exhibition. Fortunately, Vicky (as she was known) was able to converse in fluent German, because Frederick’s English was very limited. Frederick also impressed her father, Prince Albert, during his visit, and shared many of his liberal ideas.
Continue reading “Wedding of Victoria, The Princess Royal”
Mistress of the Robes 