The Queen's coronation world tour in 1953-1954 was marked with some significant jewel presentations, including this one. The women of Auckland showed their appreciation for the first reigning monarch to visit their country with a bejeweled version of a well-known national symbol: the silver fern. The gift was made possible by fundraising from a committee of women's organizations in Auckland. Made of platinum set with baguette and brilliant diamonds, it was presented on Christmas Day 1953 and worn for the first time before the trip was over. It has been worn for New Zealand-related functions ever since, and was loaned out for the first time to the Duchess of Cambridge, for her 2014 tour of New Zealand and Australia with the Duke of Cambridge and Prince George.
Click here to see the Royal Collection's site for the brooch.
Appearances:
23 May 2017:
Audiences at Buckingham Palace
13 April 2014: New Zealand Tour, Dunedin Church Service (on the Duchess of Cambridge)
10 April 2014:
Portrait by Nick Cuthell, unveiled this day
7 April 2014:
New Zealand Tour, Arrival (on the Duchess of Cambridge)
6 June 2012:
Audience with the Prime Minister of New Zealand
17 February 2012:
New Zealand Diamond Jubilee Portrait
1970:
Christmas Broadcast
Photos: Getty Images/Royal Household
