Queen Camilla Wears Iconic Cartier Brooch at Commonwealth Day

The diamond palm leaf brooch was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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At the annual Commonwealth Day services, Queen Camilla wore the Queen Mother's Cartier Diamond Palm Leaf Brooch, a piece with a long history in the Windsor family. The brooch was commissioned by the Queen Mother in 1938 and later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, who wore it frequently over the years. This appears to be one of the first times Queen Camilla has worn the jewel at a public event.

Why it matters

The Commonwealth Day service is one of the most important events on the royal calendar, bringing together senior members of the British royal family in support of the 56-nation Commonwealth. Queen Camilla's choice to wear this historic brooch at the event underscores the continuity of the monarchy and the significance of these royal traditions.

The details

The diamond palm leaf brooch was commissioned by the Queen Mother in 1938 from Cartier, using diamonds from her personal collection. Its paisley-inspired shape is associated with the Queen Mother's native Scotland. The brooch was most famously worn by the Queen Mother at the funeral of her husband, King George VI, in 1952. After the Queen Mother's death in 2002, the brooch was passed down to Queen Elizabeth II, who wore it frequently over the years, including as recently as 2021 at Royal Ascot.

  • The Commonwealth Day service took place on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Queen Mother commissioned the Cartier brooch in 1938.
  • The brooch was worn by the Queen Mother at her husband's funeral in 1952.
  • The brooch was passed down to Queen Elizabeth II after the Queen Mother's death in 2002.
  • Queen Elizabeth II's last known public appearance in the brooch was at Royal Ascot in 2021.

The players

Queen Camilla

The current Queen Consort of the United Kingdom, married to King Charles III.

Queen Elizabeth II

The former Queen of the United Kingdom, who wore the Cartier brooch frequently over the years.

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

The mother of Queen Elizabeth II, who commissioned the Cartier brooch in 1938.

King George VI

The husband of the Queen Mother, whose funeral in 1952 featured the brooch.

King Charles III

The current King of the United Kingdom, who is the head of the Commonwealth.

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The takeaway

Queen Camilla's choice to wear the Queen Mother's historic Cartier brooch at the Commonwealth Day service underscores the continuity of the British monarchy and the significance of these royal traditions, which continue to be celebrated by the current generation of the Windsor family.