Queen Camilla has chosen one of the most prestigious brooches in
the royal collection for the start of the German State Visit and
hinted as a starring role in the prestigious event for Queen
Victoria.

The gem in question is a giant sapphire and diamond brooch that
once belonged to Victoria. It was given to her by her beloved
husband, Prince Albert.

Albert was born in Germany, in Coburg, and moved to England when
he married Victorfia in 1840. Theey were, in fact, first cousins.
Both were grandchildren of Francis, Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld,
and Countess Augusta Reuss of Ebersdorf.

The brooch is a particular favourite of Queen Camilla who often
wears it for important occasions. However, its links to Germany
make this a special selection.

It was given to Queen Victoria on the eve of her marriage and so
became symbolic of her union with Prince Albert. It was so
important to her that she left it in her will to the Crown so that
this emblem of her marriage would remain a permanent part of the
royal jewel collection.

Victoria loved it so much that she wore it on her wedding day,
adding another ‘something blue’ to her outfit. However, after
Albert’s early death, in 1861, she rarely used the gem.

It is very well used now and Queen Camilla has turned to it
several times. Although almost 200 years old, it is a classic
design and features a large, oblong sapphire surrounded by 12 round
diamonds.

Blue was the pick for both royal women involved in the official
welcome for the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and
his wife, Elke Budenbender.

The Princess of Wales also chose blue for her welcome outfit and
added a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings that had once
belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales. Kate also wore a brooch
representing the feathers of the Prince of Wales.

The Princess chose a dress by Burberry with a coat by Sarah
Burton for Alexander McQueen.

Queen Camilla was in a coat by one of her favourite designers,
Anna Valentine, and a hat from her go to milliner, Philip
Treacy.

The State Visit continued with a carriage procession to Windsor
Castle where later King Charles and Queen Camilla will host the
President and First Lady of Germany for a State Banquet.