Queen Camilla was a picture of elegance in a striking blue ensemble as she commenced her four-day state visit to Italy with King Charles. The Queen turned heads as she made her grand entrance at the Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian president.
The Queen chose a beautiful blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare for the occasion, which she complemented with matching blue heels and a beige handbag. Adding a touch of Royal glamour, she adorned herself with a diamond and sapphire brooch that once belonged to both Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
The Prince Albert brooch, as it’s known, is estimated to be worth around £8million due to its historical significance. The brooch was originally commissioned by Prince Albert from Garrards in 1840 as a gift for his soon-to-be wife, Victoria. He presented it to her on their wedding night.
The exquisite piece was frequently worn by Victoria and later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, who also wore it on numerous occasions, reports the Express. Interestingly, the brooch is said to have inspired the Princess of Wales‘ beautiful sapphire engagement ring, which was first given to the late Princess Diana by King Charles.
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Get ready for summer dress season with this gorgeous cobalt dress inspired by the royals’ favourite shade
Max Stone, from Steven Stone jewellers, described the brooch: “The [brooch] contains a large oval or cushion-shaped sapphire, which is at least 40cts. The breathtaking gem is also surrounded by 12 large diamonds, which look to be around 12cts. Due to the clarity and intense colour of the sapphire it was possible sourced from Burma. If it was to be sold today, it would be worth around £8,000,000, thanks to its historic legacy.”
Camilla’s head-to-toe blue outfit is a dress she wore previously. Just last year, for Royal Ascot in June, the Queen consort wore the couture piece and paired it with neutral accessories. For her latest look, Camilla opted to keep her shoes and accessories a similar shade of blue, giving a colour block effect.
This rich blue shade has been turning heads for centuries. Back in ancient times—even as far back as the 6th century B.C.—it showed up on royal treasures like King Tut’s funeral mask, decked out in cobalt blue lapis lazuli. The pigment was so rare and pricey, it actually cost more than gold, making it a go-to symbol of power, wealth, and a touch of the divine.
Though cobalt isn’t Pantone’s Colour of the Year, it came very close after experts predicted the bold shade would have a resurgence over spring/summer 2025. And if Camilla’s look has inspired you to wear the shade to an event you have coming up, the high street is awash with deep blue pieces. We love Next’s Friends Like These Cobalt Blue Long Sleeve Gold Belted Tailored Midi Dress, £49, which has a touch of regal to it. If you want something a little more daring, Nobody’s Child’s Blue Balloon Sleeve Zendaya Midi Dress, £130, is our top pick for summer weddings.
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