The ties that bind.
Camilla Parker Bowles makes a statement with her first outfit as Queen Consort after Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday.
Bowles first walked through the doors of Buckingham Palace with husband King Charles III dressed all in black to mark the mourning period, but added a symbolic accessory.
Bowles wore a diamond-covered button-shaped brooch, a style she’d seen several times before – including for Commonwealth Day in 2020 and during the Christmas Day worship service in 2019.
While there can be many meanings behind the style, it is thought to represent unity and love.
When Camilla last wore the piece in 2020, some speculated she sent a message to Prince Harry and Prince William amid their feud to honor their family ties, but in the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s death, the Queen Consort is calling out probably rise to unity under her. fellow British.
Although the symbolic piece belongs to Camilla, she has often borrowed brooches from Queen Elizabeth in the past; the late monarch was a fan of using her jewelry to send messages and celebrate certain milestones.
Elizabeth died Thursday at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the royal couple paid their last respects before returning to London today. Charles, who automatically became King of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth after his mother’s death, made a somber statement.
“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” read a posted statement to the royal family’s social media accounts.
“We deeply mourn the passing of a beloved Sovereign and a dearly beloved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the rich and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of grief and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was held so widely.”
It’s unclear when Charles, 73, will be officially crowned King Charles III – but rest assured that Camilla will honor her late mother-in-law with her accessories during the ceremony.