To mark Crown Princess Mary’s birthday in 2014, I did an extensive post on the history of the Connaught Sapphire Brooch, a major royal heirloom that Mary received from her mother-in-law after the birth of the heir to the throne, Prince Christian. I won’t retread the entire history of the piece here — you can visit the earlier post to learn about its chain of ownership, which begins with the Duchess of Connaught in 1879 — but I thought I’d offer an updated selection of photos of our Magpie of the Month wearing the piece. Enjoy!
21 Jan 2006: Mary wears the brooch for the first time in public at Prince Christian’s christening
A closer look at the brooch (and the baby prince) from the christening
18 May 2009: Welcoming the Greek president for a state visit
14 Apr 2011: The brooch gets a second baptismal outing at the christening of twins Vincent and Josephine
A closer view from the christening
6 Jan 2014: Diplomatic New Year’s Reception
Mary wears a Connaught family brooch http://t.co/UjFhOs99Ql “@crownprincely New photo to celebrate 10th Anniversary pic.twitter.com/m6bmjEMN2h“
— Ella Kay (@courtjeweller) May 13, 2014
May 2014: Portrait to celebrate tenth wedding anniversary
During an interview for a royal jewel documentary, Mary described the brooch’s connection to royal history: “Some people learn history through wars or famous people, but jewelry is
just as good a possibility to learn history. It shows how the families
have married through the generations. And it doesn’t only talk about
lineage, but it also relates to personal events in families.” I could not agree more!
just as good a possibility to learn history. It shows how the families
have married through the generations. And it doesn’t only talk about
lineage, but it also relates to personal events in families.” I could not agree more!
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