Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

19 April 2016

90th Birthday Commemorative Stamps, and a New Portrait

A commemorative stamp for Her Majesty's 90th birthday, featuring a special family portrait, has been released.
Ranald Mackechnie/Royal Mail
Nothing like a four generation portrait to mark a grand occasion! The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge, and Prince George posed for photographer Ranald Mackechnie in summer 2015 in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. The portrait was taken for a set of commemorative stamps from the Royal Mail, hence why Prince George is standing on some foam blocks above. That's a little behind the scenes look at what it took to get everybody lined up just right:  
Royal Mail
The Telegraph has a fascinating look into the secret shoot and the precision the required by the photographer.

The coordination is perfect, not only in their matched blue clothes, but in the jewels. This is technically a four generation portrait of current and future monarchs, but The Queen stretched it to five generations by selecting a favorite brooch of her late mother's, the Queen Mother's Shell Brooch. A touching gesture, and just what The Queen does best.

The Royal Mail have released a full range of official stamps for the big birthday:
Royal Mail

You can purchase the stamps here online.

The Queen is in fact due to visit the Royal Mail Windsor on Wednesday, to mark the 500th anniversary of the Postal Service.
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17 January 2016

Church at Sandringham

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh attended church at Hillington during their Sandringham break. Viscount and Viscountess Linley were also present.
A well-coordinated pair today, no? And the Frosted Sunflower Brooch is getting an early jump on the competition for favorite brooch of 2016 after being dethroned in 2015...

Frosted Sunflower Brooch

Photo: via Getty Images
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25 December 2015

Christmas Service and Christmas Broadcast, 2015

Merry Christmas! We'll be chatting about the various fashions on display at the annual Windsor walk to church at the other blog over the weekend, but first we'll cover our interests here:

The Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, attended Christmas service at St. Mary Magdalene Church, Sandringham.

In a surprising turn of events, The Queen managed to be one of the least bejeweled ladies in the family for Christmas service! Even The Duchess of Cambridge wore a brooch today (one that she first wore in 2012, and which may be in her personal collection - as far as I know, it is not a loaned piece), but Her Maj rolled up broochless in cozy Christmas red with fur trim. Her regular daytime selection of jewels was also all that was on display for the day's earlier service. I cannot lie, I was a little disappointed...but my spirits were lifted by her brooch selection for the Christmas speech. Read on...

Queen Mary's Button Earrings


Given QEII's jewel restraint, I was pleased to see that The Duchess of Cornwall was properly decked out for the Christmas service.

Her Diamond Moth Brooch was a debuted earlier this year (and we'll cover it in the new year!), and she threw on the larger of her two diamond clasp pearl chokers for a little extra festive flair. Her Everyday Pearl Pendant Earrings completed the look with an outfit that ranks among my favorites.


The Queen's annual message was broadcast on Christmas Day.


As always, there's meaning to be found in everything The Queen wears and in her surroundings for her Christmas speech. The portraits at her side are of the present and future leaders of the family (a shot of the Cambridge family from Princess Charlotte's christening, a wedding photo of The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, a casual photo of herself with The Duke of Edinburgh), and her brooch reminds of us the last generation: The Queen Mother's Art Deco Aquamarine Brooch. It's not a piece that many would find instantly recognizable as a member of the late Queen Elizabeth's collection, making it a subtle yet significant choice for this speech, just as it was for the VE Day commemoration events earlier this year.

The brooch really stands out in contrast to the gold in the 18th Century Room at Buckingham Palace and on the light background of her Angela Kelly tweed outfit. The Queen also wore her usual selection of day jewels, with what looks to be her larger pair of pearl and diamond button earrings.

Engagement and Wedding Rings 

Photos:via Getty Images
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20 December 2015

Church at Sandringham

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh attended church at Sandringham, Norfolk
The link in the tweet above shows her brooch, which continues her recent run of aquamarine brooches beyond her favorite clips. This one's from her mother, and I think it might be my favorite of her aqua pins. It's the fourth time she's worn it since debuting it last year, and you can (as always) read more in the link below.

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17 December 2015

Train to Sandringham

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh traveled to Sandringham for the Christmas holiday.
Christmas time is really here when Her Maj heads off to Sandringham, and this year, she's done so with a bonus brooch delight! I have simply called this one the "Small Aquamarine Brooch" here (my creativity knows no bounds); it's actually a pretty big stone from a side view, but it has a knack for appearing small when worn. This is more of a rare pick, and the second time we've seen it in use since the blog started.


Photo: via Getty Images
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09 December 2015

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held several audiences at Buckingham Palace
I believe this is a side view of Prince Albert's Sapphire, and I have a whole scenario worked up in my head where the Ambassador from the Gabonese Republic here noticed the sapphire wonder right before this shot was taken. (I mean, I'm sure Madam Ambassador has more pressing things to notice, but you know.)


Photo: via Getty Images
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04 December 2015

Investiture at Windsor Castle and Audience

The Queen held an Investiture at Windsor Castle.
For more: Guardian article.
My first thought is The Queen Mother's Palm Leaf Brooch. What do you think? UPDATE: And yes, it is indeed the Palm Leaf (with thanks to @TheRoyalExpert).
See video from BBC Midlands here



I missed one yesterday, so thanks to those that let me know:

December 3: The Queen held audiences at Buckingham Palace.
For more: Zimbio gallery.
And this one, happily, is clear as day: it's the Amethyst Bouquet Brooch.

Photos:BBC Midlands video screencap, and via Twitter and Getty Images
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03 December 2015

St. Columba's Church Anniversary and State Visit Announcement

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited St. Columba's Church of Scotland, Knightsbridge, London to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the church's rededication.
Two appearances doesn't make a trend, but it sure would be grand if the recent appearance of the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara in its green version plus this Cambridge emerald brooch was the start of an emerald one (probably not, but a jewel lover can dream). Still, greedy me can't help but note that I miss the pendant on this brooch very much here.


A general news update, while we're at it...
 The first tiara occasion of 2016 has just been announced, and it's a doozy: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain are coming for a state visit! Windsor Castle, March 8-10, mark your calendars. The last state visits exchanged between the countries were in 1986 (when Spain came to the UK) and 1988 (when the UK went to Spain). Rest assured, I have my jumpy claps at the ready.

Update: The Queen also held audiences today, see here.


Photo: WPA Pool via Getty Images
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02 December 2015

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held several audiences at Buckingham Palace.
Add another color to the rainbow of dresses that coordinate exceptionally well with this room. Orange and Queen Victoria's Bow is a throwback to Christmas 2013; in fact, this looks like the dress that was under that coat.


Photo: WPA Pool via Getty Images
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30 November 2015

Audience at Windsor Castle

The Queen received the Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, at Windsor Castle for a private audience.
Another look inside The Queen's private sitting room at Windsor, fresh for your analysis! You'll remember this is where she had her cozy audience with the New Zealand Prime Minister last month, and now we have a little different angle. That red carpet just takes a room right over, no?


Photo: WPA Pool via Getty Images
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28 November 2015

Malta Visit: Day 3, Departure

On the third and final day of their State Visit to Malta, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Heritage Malta and Marsa Racecourse before their official farewell ceremony and departure from Malta International airport. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall ended their Malta trip with an engagement in Mdina before departing.
One more rare-ish brooch for the road! This is the third time we've seen this turquoise brooch following its debut last year. Turquoise can be a bit polarizing when it comes to fine jewelry, but this is a perfect example of how well it can work when it's done right. And, of course, this is the perfect end to a trip full of sparkly delights.



The Duchess of Cornwall ended her trip with an impressive dedication to her chosen flying bug theme: first dragonfly brooches, then a moth brooch, and now a sapphire and diamond butterfly brooch (yet a another piece we have not covered here).
Longtime readers will know that I generally CANNOT with the bug jewelry. But, go figure, Camilla has managed to wear three in a row that I find quite lovely. One of many reasons we had to add her to our little blog scope.


Recap Time!

Day 1: Prince Albert's Sapphire
Day 2: Mysterious aquamarine debut
Day 2, Dinner: Emeralds for days
Day 3: Turquoise fun

Favorite jewel moment for you? For me, well, nothing beats emeralds with my beloved pink topaz set for Camilla.
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27 November 2015

Malta Visit: Day 2, CHOGM Dinner

The Queen attended the official gala dinner for the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Corinthia Palace Hotel in Attard, Malta. She was joined by The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, and The Duchess of Cornwall.
Day two and the jumpy claps just keep coming! On top of her interesting brooches during the day, The Queen continued to bring the jewel delight with another appearance in her glorious Cambridge Emerald and Delhi Durbar Parure!
British Monarchy Twitter
Queen Mary's impressive green stones had slept in the vault for several years before The Queen brought them back at last year's Irish state banquet. I thought we'd have a long wait to see them again, but I am delighted to be proven wrong. They look spectacular against her standard evening white ensemble.

The jumpy claps came from all directions, I might add. From her toast at the dinner, maybe my new favorite HM quote: "Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister of Canada, for making me feel so old!" (Here's the text of his toast, to which she was responding.)
Times of Malta video screencap. See the toasts on video (and some diamond sparkle) here.
Queen Mary's Emerald Art Deco Bracelet (not yet covered)
Diamond Evening Watch

The Duchess of Cornwall was also looking fab and she too brought out some favorite pieces. As expected, she stuck with her standard diadem, the Greville Tiara, plus one of my very favorite sets from her collection: her pearl choker with pink topaz and diamond clasp and the matching pink topaz and diamond earrings. These are gorgeous and they make a lovely and unexpected pair for her gray gown. She also wore The Queen's Royal Family Order.
Clarence House Twitter
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Malta Visit: Day 2, CHOGM Opening Ceremony

The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, and The Duchess of Cornwall attended the opening ceremony of the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on the second day of their visit to Malta. Afterward, The Queen and The Prince of Wales hosted a reception for the new Commonwealth Heads of Government at San Anton Palace.
CHOGM Malta screencap
 For more: Vimeo opening ceremony recap, Zimbio gallery.
Day two brings us some brooch intrigue! {Insert jumpy claps here} This one looks like an aquamarine brooch with a diamond surround, and I think it is new to me...

What do you think? Ringing any bells for anyone? (And what should we name it here, huh? Update: I'm going with the Malta Aquamarine Brooch.) Let me know your thoughts!  Whatever it is, it is pretty. Oh my, I'd take this one off Her Maj's hands in no time.
CHOGM Malta Flickr/DOI-Omar Camilleri, click here for galleries
Anyway, she also wore this brooch and outfit, sans hat, for the reception after the opening ceremony.

Malta Aquamarine Brooch


I love The Duchess of Cornwall's outfit choice for the opening ceremony, which she paired with Everyday Pearl Pendant Earrings and the large version of her diamond-clasped four strand pearl chokers. And she must be in a bit of a buggy mood, because she followed up yesterday's diamond and sapphire dragonfly brooches with her diamond moth brooch (not yet covered here).


Also today, The Queen held a private audience with Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki Moon at San Anton Palace.
Finally, this is another rare brooch for Her Majesty which happily reappeared last year: the Emerald and Diamond Celtic Knot Brooch.


We'll be back later with another post, for tonight is the fancy CHOGM dinner, and I'm ready for some sparkle...
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26 November 2015

Malta Visit: Day 1, Arrival and Reception

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh arrived in Malta for a State Visit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. They attended a ceremonial welcome with the President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, followed by an evening reception hosted by the President at San Anton Palace.
Following an appearance while arriving for her earlier state visit to Germany, the Albert Sapphire is now 2015's official state visitin' brooch, I guess. Works for me. After wearing it on her arrival outfit, she switched it over to her evening outfit for the reception the President gave in her honor.
HM and the DoE were presented with a painting of the villa their old home on the island, and the memories continued (and will continue) to flow:



The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall are also in Malta. The Duchess visited Mdina Glass as the couple followed their own programs for the first day.
Apparently it was a sapphire day all around! Camilla joined the party in her Sapphire and Diamond Dragonfly Clips from Van Cleef & Arpels.

They came along for the evening reception, and of course it's difficult to tell what jewels The Duchess may have been wearing (apart from one of her usual multi-stone bracelets, that is). I do like that green lace, though.


Photos:ITNSource video, via Getty Images
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25 November 2015

Audience at Buckingham Palace

The Queen received the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, for a private audience at Buckingham Palace.
A brooch with special family history for a prime minister with special family history, I like it. (Plus, plenty of bonus shots including the photos sitting around the room, and I know some of you love to check those out.)

Photos:via Getty Images and CBC screencap
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24 November 2015

General Synod Opening

The Queen, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, attended the inauguration of the Tenth General Synod. She was accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh.
I have to say, I think this Stewart Parvin coat/Rachel Trevor Morgan hat combo is one of Her Maj's best of late. There's a sophistication here, and I like her choice of taupe gloves (make a note, those of you that wonder why she only ever wears white and black).
It's easy to see why this favorite brooch got the nod today, though - anything else would have disappeared!

Photos: via Getty Images and Belfast Telegraph screencap
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19 November 2015

Visit to Birmingham

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited Birmingham, where they opened Birmingham New Street station and the Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry.
The matching umbrellas are a staple of Her Maj's wardrobe, and yet they amuse me every.single.time. (I really should get out more.) All we needed here was a pink brooch to complete the Pretty in Pink ensemble, not that I object to the trusty Jardine Star.


Photo: WPA Pool via Getty Images
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13 November 2015

Luncheon for the Prime Minister of India, and Audiences

The Queen received the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, at Buckingham Palace during his visit to the United Kingdom. Her Majesty hosted a luncheon for the Prime Minister, after which they viewed a selection of items from the Royal Collection with ties to India.
It's been nearly a year since we saw the lovely Flame Lily, which is too long in my book! Gorgeous piece.


The Queen also held audiences at Buckingham Palace today.
For more: Zimbio gallery.
We're back to the brooch guessing game. My money's on the Women of Hampshire Brooch, do you concur? (Wonderfully interesting jewelry on our guest here, too. This is the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Gulnara Iskakova, who was among those presenting their credentials to The Queen today.)

Photos:via WPA Pool/Getty Images
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12 November 2015

Home Office Visit and Civil Service Awards Reception

The Queen visited the Home Office on the 10th anniversary of the Civil Service Awards, and later hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for the Awards.
Civil Service/Crown Copyright
For more: Civil Service blog, Video on Youtube, Telegraph article.
A day of lovely blues and of old favorites for The Queen, starting with the Cullinan V on her blue Stewart Parvin coat during the day's visit and adding the Aquamarine Clips to her blue dress for the evening reception.

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10 November 2015

Investiture and Audience at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace. She also received the Governor of Victoria for a private audience.
Why yes, that is Benedict Cumberbatch picking up his CBE from a Frosted Sunflower-bedecked Queen. Video of the ceremony below, and his remarks outside can be found in the link above for you interested parties:
The Queen wore the same thing for her audience today, click here for those pictures.


Photos:5 News screencap
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