The romantic history behind the Duchess of Cambridge brooch - the item worn by Kate Middleton in her official portrait
The Duchess of Cambridge brooch was worn by the Duchess of Cambridge herself for her first official royal portrait with Prince William
The Duchess of Cambridge brooch was worn by Kate Middleton in the official royal portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, sparking interest in the romantic history behind the iconic accessory.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton's first joint portrait was unveiled at the Fitzwilliam Museum on June 23.
- In the portrait the Duchess is wearing a unique brooch.
- In other royal news, Prince William addresses his Caribbean tour controversy on Windrush Day, 'Our trip was an opportunity to reflect'.
Prince William and Kate Middleton's first official joint portrait was officially unveiled on Thursday, June 23, 2022.
"This new portrait of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was unveiled by Their Royal Highnesses at Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum earlier today," revealed a post from the Royal Family about the exciting event.
"Painted by British portrait artist Jamie Coreth, the artwork was commissioned in 2021 by the Cambridgeshire Royal Portrait Fund as a gift to the people of Cambridgeshire," said the post.
A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)
A photo posted by on
In the painting, the Duchess can be seen wearing the Duchess of Cambridge brooch. The Cambridge Pearl Pendant brooch is one of Queen Elizabeth's brooches that has been in the Royal Family for generations.
It is thought that the Duchess of Cambridge brooch dates back to the nineteenth century and was possibly crafted by Garrard, a London-based jeweler.
According to the Court Jeweler, the accessory was first made for another Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Augusta of Hesse-Kessel, who was born in Germany in 1797 and married Prince Adolphus in 1818 at Buckingham Palace. Following her marriage, to King George III's son, the Princess then became the Duchess of Cambridge and this unique brooch was made in her honor.
The brooch is a large pearl surrounded by diamonds with another pearl and diamonds suspended from the main brooch. This dangling pendant is also detachable and the main cluster also has a loop which allows the whole piece to be worn as a pendant - so it can be both a necklace and a brooch.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
An elderly Augusta was painted wearing this very brooch in 1877, when her portrait was commissioned by her niece, Queen Victoria.
Following Augusta's death, the brooch was passed down through the Royal Family and was owned by Augusta's youngest daughter, Princess Mary Adelaide, Duchess of Teck, who was pictured wearing the brooch as a necklace.
The brooch was then passed down to Mary Adelaide’s daughter, Queen Mary of Teck, who was also painted wearing it on numerous occasions. In her later life, Queen May was photographed wearing the brooch at the christening of Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) in 1926 and at Prince Charles's christening in 1948.
The Queen inherited the brooch from her grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1953 and has also been photographed wearing it on many occasions throughout her reign.
It is likely that as the latest Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine will be the next member of the extended Royal Family to inherit this stunning brooch. This would maintain the sweet tradition within the Royal Family of mothers and grandmothers passing down brooch down to the next generation of women in the royal line of succession.
Laura is the Entertainment Editor for woman&home who primarily covers television, film, and celebrity news. Laura loves drinking and eating and can often be found trying to get reservations at London's trendiest restaurants. When she's not wining and dining, Laura can also be found travelling, baking, and hiking with her dog.
-
M&S has the dreamiest white summer dress just like Kate Middleton's
Princess Kate's Zimmerman summer dress has long been discontinued - but M&S have just dropped a rival piece that looks so similar
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
What year is Blue Lights set in and where was it filmed?
Blue Lights is back for another season...
By Jess Bacon Published
-
M&S has the dreamiest white summer dress just like Kate Middleton's
Princess Kate's Zimmerman summer dress has long been discontinued - but M&S have just dropped a rival piece that looks so similar
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse Published
-
Prince Louis's sixth birthday photo is the most adorable one yet as Kate Middleton gets back behind the camera
Prince Louis's sixth birthday photo has been posted by the Prince and Princess of Wales and it's a return to tradition for his proud mum
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's 'very deliberate and clever' preparation for 'powerful' royal role
The Royal Family have been smart and intentional about getting the Princess of Wales ready for the duty that lies ahead, an expert says
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The unexpected inspiration behind Prince Louis's 'first words' revealed by Kate Middleton
One of Prince Louis's 'first words' was shared by his proud mum on TV and it's got nothing to do with the Royal Family
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Kate Middleton's bargain cosy home essential makes such a difference to her traditional living room
The Princess of Wales uses an affordable accessory to transform her living room into a cosy, welcoming space
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
Prince William just revealed the sweetest detail about Prince Louis
Prince William spoke with volunteers about his youngest son’s favourite sport
By Jess Bacon Published
-
Recent weeks 'precious' for Kate Middleton with 'country walks and snuggles in front of the TV' with George, Charlotte and Louis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been able to relish in precious family time over the Easter break, according to a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The indulgent recipe George, Charlotte and Louis make for Kate Middleton is our idea of a dream dinner
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis each have a role to play when they whip this dish up for Princess Catherine
By Emma Shacklock Published