The Court Jeweller

Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Queen Sofia’s Regal Butterfly Brooch

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King Juan Carlos of Spain had heart surgery recently, and members of his family have been visiting him at the hospital in Pozuelo de Alarcon. Here’s a look at the beautiful jewels Queen Sofia wore to visit her husband on Sunday.

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Sofia stopped to chat with the press who are gathered at the hospital, and she appeared very optimistic about her husband’s health.

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She wore bright, cheerful jewels for the hospital visit, including her signature layered necklaces and bracelets.

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Here’s a detailed look at her pendants.

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She also wore gold hoop earrings and a gorgeous butterfly brooch.

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The brooch appears to be set with numerous colorful gemstones.

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Sofia was accompanied on the visit by her sister, Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark.

Windsor Jewels at Crathie Kirk

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We got another glimpse of the royals heading to Sunday church services this week — including a rare brooch sighting!

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A caravan of Windsor cars headed from Balmoral to Crathie Kirk on Sunday, where the family attended a morning service. Every British monarch has attended the Scottish church since Queen Victoria began worshiping there in 1848.

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The Queen reached deep into her jewelry box for a brooch to wear for the occasion: the Onslow Butterfly Brooch.

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The diamond and ruby brooch was one of her wedding gifts, presented to her in 1947 by Violet, Lady Onslow. Violet was the widow of the 5th Earl of Onslow and the mother of the 6th. She was also the daughter of the 3rd Baron Poltimore. (Violet’s brother, George, was the one who famously sold the family tiara to Princess Margaret.)

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (or the Earl and Countess of Strathearn, as they’re in Scotland) rode in the lead car with the Queen.

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Kate wore a favorite pair of earrings: leafy gold hoops by Asprey.

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The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (or, as they’re in Scotland, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay) also attended the church service. Camilla, as usual, wore her favorite pearl drop earrings.

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And we also got a good glimpse of the Princess Royal as she headed to Crathie Kirk (which, many of you will know, is the same church where she married her husband, Sir Tim Laurence, in 1992). Anne wore classic pearls with a gem-set badge.