Royal Visit to Canada: A Symbol of Enduring Ties and Heritage
This week, King Charles III and Queen Camilla embarked on a three-day official visit to Canada, marking their first international trip since ascending to their respective roles. The royal couple’s visit underscored their commitment to strengthening the historic bonds between the United Kingdom and Canada. During their stay, the king delivered a speech to the Canadian Parliament, where he emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and freedom, notably sidestepping any mention of recent political tensions involving the United States, such as former President Donald Trump’s controversial statements about the Commonwealth. While Queen Camilla chose a more reserved approach in her public remarks, her choice of jewelry highlighted the deep-rooted connection between the monarchy and Canadian heritage.
Queen Camilla’s Canadian Jewelry Tribute
On her Monday walkabout in Ottawa, Queen Camilla donned a familiar Canadian Maple Leaf brooch, a piece crafted by the renowned jeweler Asprey in platinum and diamonds. This emblematic accessory was originally a gift to Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1939 and has since become a staple adornment for royal visits to Canada. The late Queen Elizabeth II first wore the brooch during her 1951 tour, and it remained a cherished part of her jewelry collection throughout her life. Camilla has borrowed this historic piece during her visits to Canada, with Princess Anne and Kate Middleton also sporting it on their respective trips, symbolizing the enduring royal-Canadian relationship.
Elegant Accessories and Personal Touches
Complementing the brooch, Queen Camilla chose a soft pink dress designed by Anna Valentine, adding a touch of understated elegance to her ensemble. She also wore the Asprey-designed 167 Button necklace, a distinctive piece featuring an 18-carat white gold pendant centered around a luminous amethyst, encircled by pavé diamonds. According to jewelry expert Lauren Kiehna of The Court Jeweller, the necklace bears engraved initials of Camilla’s grandchildren, adding a personal dimension to her jewelry choices.
Historic Significance in Canadian Military Heritage
During her Tuesday appearance before the Canadian Parliament, where King Charles delivered a speech prepared by the government led by recently elected Prime Minister Mark Carney, Queen Camilla showcased a brooch with profound Canadian military significance. The Pellatt brooch, adorned with the insignia of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada-the country’s oldest infantry regiment-was worn with pride. Camilla was appointed colonel-in-chief of the regiment in 2012, succeeding Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy. The brooch, named after Sir Henry Pellatt, a notable industrialist and soldier, is modeled after the regiment’s cap badge, featuring a ruby-embedded figure 2. Its origins are believed to date back to at least 1910, when Pellatt’s wife, Mary, was reportedly seen wearing a diamond and ruby version of the crest during the regiment’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations.
Celebrating Canadian Heritage and Royal Traditions
This visit not only reinforced the longstanding relationship between the British monarchy and Canada but also highlighted the importance of military history and national symbols. Queen Camilla’s choice of jewelry and regalia served as a reminder of the shared history and mutual respect that continue to define the royal presence in Canada. As the monarchy adapts to modern times, these symbols of heritage remain vital in maintaining the cultural and historical ties that bind the two nations.
