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The Queen’s brooch collection is packed with brooches that feature national symbolism and brooches designed to reflect the natural world. Today’s jewel, the Australian Wattle Brooch, combines both.
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The brooch is designed to represent the national flower of Australia, and appropriately, it was made by an Australian firm, William Drummond. The jewel is made of platinum and set with white and yellow diamonds. The piece was commissioned specifically as a gift for the new monarch, who received it in February 1954 during her Commonwealth tour. Prime Minister Robert Menzies presented it to her during a state banquet in Canberra, and she wore the jewel in Melbourne shortly after she received it.
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The brooch’s gorgeous floral design makes it a perfect choice for springtime occasions. In May 1960, the Queen wore it for her annual visit to the Chelsea Flower Show.
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The brooch has also made more than one appearance at the Royal Maundy service. In 2002, the Queen wore it for the service held at Canterbury Cathedral.
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She also wore it for the Royal Maundy service in Windsor in April 2019.
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In April 2005, she wore the brooch for a very important springtime event: the wedding of her eldest son, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cornwall.
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She’s also used the brooch more than once during the Christmas season. She wore it for her annual Christmas Message in 1976…
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…and in December 2017, she wore the brooch for a church service near Sandringham on Christmas Day.
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But, naturally, the brooch has also made numerous appearances during HM’s visits to Australia. In February 1963, she wore the jewel for a visit to a children’s playground in Sydney.
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She selected the brooch for an appearance at Randwick Racecourse in Sydney in April 1970.
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The brooch popped against a lime green ensemble during a rainy welcoming ceremony in front of the Sydney Opera House in March 2000.
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In March 2006, the brooch gleamed against a white jacket at the airport in Canberra.
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And in October 2011, during her most recent visit to Australia, she wore the brooch for her arrival in Canberra.
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The brooch can also often be seen at events in the United Kingdom related to Australia and the Commonwealth. For example, in November 2003, she wore the brooch for an audience with Australian Prime Minister John Howard at Buckingham Palace.
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And in March 2017, she wore the brooch with a bright yellow outfit for the annual Commonwealth Day Service in London.
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