In a poignant display of remembrance, Queen Elizabeth II honored her late husband, Prince Philip, by wearing a special brooch during her first public engagement since his funeral.
The Queen, who returned to work yesterday after a period of mourning, appeared composed and smiled as she conducted virtual audiences via video link from Windsor Castle.
This marked the first time Her Majesty undertook her royal duties since the Duke of Edinburgh peacefully passed away on April 9 at the age of 99.
During the virtual meetings, the Queen engaged with the Ambassador from the Republic of Latvia and the Ambassador from the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
The brooch worn by the Queen is believed to be the Nizam of Hyderabad floral royal brooch, which was originally part of a tiara gifted to her on her wedding day in 1947, according to The Sun.
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, the last ruler of the Indian princely state of Nizam, and Birar, presented this exquisite piece from Cartier.
Over time, Queen Elizabeth II detached the flowers from the diamond tiara and transformed them into separate brooches.
The design features three roses, with a larger one in the center and two smaller ones on either side.
Additionally, it came with a matching necklace.
According to Right Royalty, the Queen’s official wedding gift list includes the diamond tiara, described as an English rose and foliage design, along with a diamond necklace.
The Nizam of Hyderabad brooch holds great sentimental value, representing not only the Queen’s enduring love for Prince Philip but also a cherished memory from their wedding day.
Prior to this public appearance, the Queen was last seen in public dressed in mourning attire at her husband’s funeral.
Following two weeks of royal mourning, which concluded last Friday, the monarchy and their households resumed their full-time duties.
Remarkably, the Queen returned to work just four days after the passing of Prince Philip.
On April 13th, she held her first in-person event, an audience and investiture with Earl Peel, who was stepping down as Lord Chamberlain.