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.
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.
