31 March 2014

Windsor Grey Statue Unveiling

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke of Cambridge, unveiled a statue of two Windsor Grey horses to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, in Windsor.
Video, above; click here for an article and pictures from the Express.
I love it when they have a bit of a family outing! But it's not a random selection from the grandkids, of course - William was patron of the fundraising appeal for the statue.

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27 March 2014

Visit to the City of London

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh undertook a day of engagements in the City of London, attending a reception to mark the 800th anniversary of the Royal Watermen at Watermen's Hall and then visiting Lloyds of London to commemorate the market's 325th anniversary.
I've said it once, now I'll say it twice: Ye Olde Cambridge Pearl looks so lonely without its pendant. I'm not sure I love that, but I do love this:

Three Strand Pearl Necklace

UPDATE: The following day, March 28, the Queen held an investiture, but per usual it seems no brooch was to be glimpsed.

Photo: ITNSource
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26 March 2014

Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held several audiences at Buckingham Palace.
Click the link in the tweet for a gallery; click here for an additional gallery.
This is a little tough to see, but we have another appearance for the Women of Hampshire Brooch! So lovely to see this one back in the rotation...and it would be even lovelier to see it at an engagement when it can be viewed properly (hint, hint).
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25 March 2014

Irish Community Reception and Audiences

The Queen, together with other members of the Royal Family, hosted a reception for members of the Irish community at Buckingham Palace.
Click here for an article, gallery, and video from RTÉ; click here for another gallery.
Big news: Her Majesty met one of the One Direction people. (I'm sure she could hardly contain herself.) But no, here's the big news that matters to this blog: she gave us a second outing of the diamond and emerald Shamrock Brooch! Huzzah. It was last seen in 2012 during her visit to Northern Ireland, so she's sticking strictly to her theme. Unfortunately, it's not a fantastic match to a patterned suit - just a little too delicate to be recognized.
The reception was held because the Irish president is arriving for a state visit on April 8th. Perhaps we'll get another look at the Irish Silver Spiral Brooch from her 2011 Irish visit?

Engagement and Wedding Rings 


Also today... The Queen held audiences at Buckingham Palace, receiving the Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador plus a new recipient of the Order of Merit. It was purple heaven - click here for a gallery.


Photos:PA/RTÉ
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21 March 2014

Rambert Dance Visit and Lieutenant Governor Reception

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh officially opened the new headquarters building of the Rambert dance company, South Bank, London.
A vibrant shade of pink to welcome spring, I'm good with that.


And yesterday... The couple held a reception for the Lieutenant Governors of the Crown Dependencies at Buckingham Palace. Click here for a gallery - yet another favorite brooch on display, the Pearl Trefoil.



Photos:British Monarchy YouTube
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19 March 2014

The Opal Spray Brooch

The Opal Spray Brooch
A little-known and not often used piece in the Queen's collection, this brooch uses a stone that she doesn't frequently choose: opals, black opals with gold specifically, in the design of a spray of flowering gum. By their very nature, the opals generate an array of colors, particularly when viewed at different angles. The brooch comes from Australia - not surprising, as this is their signature stone. It was a wedding present to the Queen (Princess Elizabeth, as she was then) in 1947 from the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' and Airmens Imperial League of Australia. The official wedding gift list notes that the brooch's casket bears the badge of the league in gold.
The Queen appropriately wore the brooch during a visit to Australia in 2000 and it has made a couple recent appearances, though it is still a rare brooch to see in use.

Appearances:
14 March 2016: Commonwealth Day Service
16 July 2015: Visit to Barking and Dagenham
18 March 2014: Audiences at Buckingham Palace
15 October 2013: MP and MEP Reception

Thanks to commenter adca for additional appearance information, and to Gill for confirmation!

Photos: PA/Alpha/Globe Photos
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Audiences at Buckingham Palace

The Queen held several audiences at Buckingham Palace.
Back to standards after yesterday's intrigue, alas. I think this is now the standard audience brooch, check out the list of appearances in the brooch page linked below...

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