Queen Camilla celebrated her 77th birthday in style during the State Opening of Parliament on Wednesday, where she wore a stunning crown that held historical significance. As King Charles III read the government’s speech, Camilla stood beside him, her presence marked by the dazzling George IV State Diadem. This diamond diadem, often referred to as the George IV State Diadem, was commissioned in 1820 by King George IV from renowned jewelers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. Its brilliance comes from 1,333 diamonds, including a striking yellow four-carat brilliant set at the center of its front cross, and two rows of pearls. The crown was a cherished piece of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s collection, and its appearance on Camilla’s head during this momentous occasion highlighted the continuity of tradition and the enduring legacy of royal jewelry.
Camilla’s choice of the George IV State Diadem was not her only tribute to the late queen. She also wore Queen Elizabeth II’s 28-diamond Coronation Necklace, adding another layer of historical significance to her attire. The combination of the two pieces showcased the magnificence of the royal collection, drawing attention to the intricate craftsmanship and the symbolism they embody.
The State Opening of Parliament was not the first time Queen Camilla’s crown stole the spotlight. Last month, during a state banquet hosted for Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, Camilla graced the occasion with the Burmese Ruby Tiara, another heirloom passed down from Queen Elizabeth II. This time, she paired it with a brand new piece of royal jewelry – King Charles’s Family Order, adding a personal touch to her ensemble.
The grandeur of the occasion was further enhanced by the arrival of their majesties at the Palace of Westminster in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, drawn by six majestic gray horses. Following them in a glass coach were Fiona Petty-Fitzmaurice, Marchioness of Lansdowne and Lady Sarah Keswick, two of the queen’s companions, alongside Master of the Horse Lord Ashton of Hyde and the Earl of Rosslyn, who serves as Lord Steward.
While Kate Middleton and Prince William weren’t physically present at Parliament, they participated in Camilla’s virtual birthday celebration. They shared a heartwarming 2022 photograph of Camilla, taken by Kate herself in the gardens at Ray Mill House, Camilla’s personal home. The gesture underscored the warmth and affection within the royal family, even amidst the formality of the State Opening of Parliament.
