Queen Camilla Makes Her Debut in a Historic Crown for King Charles' First State Opening of Parliament

Queen Camilla wore a historic headdress closely associated with Queen Elizabeth

Queen Camilla shines in the crown – just like the queens who came before her.

Queen Camilla joined King Charles for the first State Opening of Parliament of his reign on Tuesday. While King Charles wore the Imperial State Crown during the ceremony (making it the first time he had worn a crown since his coronation in May), his wife dazzled in a diamond tiara for the first time.

Also known as the George IV State Tiara, the headpiece was made for the coronation of King George IV. in 1820 — and it’s what the monarch wore (along with a large purple velvet hat) on her way to Westminster Abbey for her coronation ceremony.

Since King George IV, the diamond tiara has been worn by every British queen, whether reigning or consort: Queen Adelaide, Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Camilla has the tiara first in one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite tiaras — plus, a sentimental necklace

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The accessory was closely associated with Queen Elizabeth, mother of King Charles who died in September 2022. She wore the diamond tiara for the first time in public at her first State Opening of Parliament in 1952 (before she was officially crowned at her coronation). At her coronation in June 1953, Queen Elizabeth wore a head covering on her way to Westminster Abbey for the coronation ceremony.

Queen Elizabeth also wore the tiara on her way to most State Openings of Parliament (although she swapped it for the Imperial State Crown for service) and in photographs including those used on British and Commonwealth coins, banknotes and postage stamps.

Queen Elizabeth wears a diamond tiara at the opening of Parliament in 2002.

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The diamond diadem is set with 1,333 diamonds, including a four-carat pale yellow diamond in the center of the front cross, according to the Royal Collection Trust, while the band is set with pearls. There are four crosses alternating with four sprays representing the national symbols of England (roses), Ireland (clover) and Scotland (thistles).

Queen Elizabeth wears the diamond tiara on November 4, 1952.

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Queen Camilla wears wedding day earrings during royal tour of Africa with King Charles

Queen Camilla paired the tiara with the ultimate recycled outfit: her coronation dress! The white dress was designed by Bruce Oldfield and features personal embellishments including flowers, a crown, the names of her children and grandchildren, and even embroidered versions of Camilla’s two dogs, Beth and Bluebell!

The official opening of Parliament began with the participation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in a horse-drawn carriage procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster. Royal regalia – including the Imperial State Crown, the Great Sword of State and the Cap of Maintenance – traveled in their own coach.

Queen Camilla wears the diamond tiara for the first time at the State Opening of Parliament on 7 November 2023.

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Following royal tradition, King Charles stepped into the Palace of Westminster through the Sovereign’s Gate and then headed to the Cloak Room, where he donned his parliamentary robes and imperial crown.

During the ceremony, King Charles delivered the King’s Speech, written by the government and containing an outline of its policies and bills for the new parliamentary session.

King Charles previously wore the Crown of the Imperial State at his coronation on May 6. Although he was officially crowned with the St. Edward’s Crown, which is only used to crown a new king or queen during the coronation ceremony, he exchanged it for the Imperial State Crown near the end of the service.

The Imperial State Crown, which dates back to the 1937 coronation of King George VI, is made of gold and decorated with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls and four rubies.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at the State Opening of Parliament on 7 November 2023.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

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Since Queen Elizabeth’s death, Queen Camilla has worn a number of accessories closely associated with the late monarch.

Last month, Queen Camilla visited the Mansion House with King Charles to take part in a long-standing tradition of marking the new monarch’s first visit to the City of London (the historic square mile that joins the city’s 32 boroughs to make up Greater London) in the year of their coronation. The outing was a first for the royal family as she debuted the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara. Queen Elizabeth has worn this fashion accessory numerous times during her 70 years on the throne, including her depictions on some British and Commonwealth banknotes and coins.

At the same event, Queen Camilla wore her mother-in-law’s sparkling necklace and bracelet, which the late royal family received as a 21st birthday present. The then Princess Elizabeth marked a turning point in South Africa, and in a speech delivered from Cape Town, she dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth.

King Charles and Queen Camilla at the State Opening of Parliament on 7 November 2023.

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Source: HIS Education