10 December 2013

Barnardo's Headquarters Opening and Investiture

The Queen, Patron, and the Duchess of Cornwall, President, opened the new headquarters of children's charity Barnardo's, Barkingside. The Queen also today held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace.
http://news.itnsource.com/?SearchTerm=open%20barnardo%27s%20hq
Click above for a video from ITNSource.
I could get used to these two pairing up, this is adorable. The Queen sported her favorite Aquamarine Clips, while Camilla wore a special ensemble from Bruce Oldfield (click here for an article with more on that lovely gesture) and a green Barnardo's badge. And they brought gifts with them for a change - custom ornaments from the Royal Collection to hang on the tree!
They still left with gifts, too, in the form of Christmas stockings for both ladies. Aww.


Earlier in the day, the Queen held an investiture. Among the honors bestowed was a knighthood for cycling star Bradley Wiggins.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25315959
Click above for a video from the BBC.
This is a bit hard to see, but based on the level of sparkle in that pendant, I think we might have a rare sighting of the Cullinan VI and VIII Brooch on our hands. Do you agree?

UPDATE: A better quality video has been uploaded on YouTube, and yes indeed - this is the Cullinan VI and VIII.

Photos: ITNSource/BBC