Queen Camilla's touching tribute to late Queen Elizabeth II on Maundy Thursday amid King Charles' 'sadness'
Camilla attended alone last yearThe annual Maundy Thursday service took place today, and Queen Camilla wore a brooch that has connections to her late mother-in-law as she attended alongside King Charles.
King Charles, 76, and Camilla, 77, attended the annual royal Maundy service, marking the king’s comeback after missing it last year. Despite being met with protests, the royals remained in high spirits at Durham Cathedral.
But all eyes were on Camilla as she wore a very expensive looking brooch, and it seems it wasn’t a random choice. Instead, it was reportedly a touching tribute to her late mother-in-law Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Camilla wore ‘expensive’ brooch to Maundy Thursday service
Camilla opted to wear an elegant bottle green dress, along with a coordinating velvet hat to the ceremony today. However, it was her brooch that is of particular interest.
When Charles and Camilla arrived, I noticed Charles appeared to be solemn.
According to jewellery expert Zack Stone from retailer Steven Stone, the brooch has been previously worn by Charles’ mother. And it’s worth quite a lot of money, apparently.
Zack explained: “It’s heartwarming to see that Queen Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth II’s emerald and diamond Celtic knot brooch to today’s service. Though there aren’t many documented appearances of the brooch, Queen Elizabeth II notably wore it at a State Banquet for the President of Ireland in 2014.”
This isn’t the first time Camilla has worn the same brooch. She displayed it during a visit to Belfast in 2023, and recently on her and Charles’ trip to Italy.
The meaning behind that style of brooch also signifies “strength, balance and harmony” while being closely associated to “love, eternity and enduring relationships” making it even more meaningful that Camilla wore it on her anniversary trip.
However, the estimated price of the brooch definitely proves just how spectacular it is. It’s believed to be worth approximately $100,000 which is around £75,ooo.
King Charles appeared ‘solemn’ at Maundy Thursday service
Elsewhere, a body language expert has weighed in on the king and queen’s appearances today.
Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, body language expert Darren Stanton claimed that Charles didn’t actually seem too happy.
While many would think Charles would have been glad to be able to return to the Maundy service, following his absence last year, it appeared that wasn’t necessarily the case. And his feelings may have also been down to his late mother.
While Camilla paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II by wearing her brooch, Charles clearly had her on his mind the whole service.
Darren explained: “The Maundy service is a very important and poignant occasion in the royal calendar for the king, as the late Queen Elizabeth would always attend. It definitely holds a special place in his heart. When Charles and Camilla arrived, I noticed Charles appeared to be solemn.”
However, Darren added that despite the sadness, he was “still in good spirits” which was shown by smiling at everyone. But through that, there was “an element of sadness and reflection”.
He commented: “We can see through his facial expressions and his eye contact. When he was outside the church, we see him looking upwards. This can show he is reflecting and thinking of the late queen.”
Darren described it as a “sadness micro-expression” which had “internalised feelings of sadness”.
Read more: Inside the royal family’s Easter plans amid ‘testing’ times
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