Celebrity Style

4 Times Queen Elizabeth Honored Prince Philip With Her Jewelry

She paid tribute to her husband through her choice in brooches.

by Mekita Rivas
HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND - UNDATED: In this image, made available November 18, 2007, HM The Queen Elizabet...
Tim Graham/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth and the longest-serving royal consort in British history, died on Friday at age 99. As the world awaits news of when the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral will take place, fans are looking for ways to pay homage to Prince Philip’s life of service.

No one honored the Prince more than his wife, Queen Elizabeth. Her Majesty the Queen rarely speaks publicly, so eagle-eyed royal observers have learned to pay close attention to her sartorial choices, which often have some type of deeper hidden meaning. And the Queen often paid tribute to the Prince through her choice of brooches.

The Queen carefully selects brooches for every event she attends. Her collection is truly massive, and it seems like she’s always got one that’s just right for whatever the occasion calls for. In the past, she’s worn the “Scarab” brooch, a gift from Philip, to celebrate their wedding anniversary. And when the Duke fell ill and was hospitalized last month, she pulled out her chrysanthemum brooch, first worn during their honeymoon, as a loving nod to him.

If history is any indication, the Queen will pay some kind of style tribute to her late husband in the days leading up to his funeral and perhaps at the funeral itself. Ahead, check out all of the previous times she gave a subtle nod to Philip via her celebrated brooches.

The Anniversary Brooch

In 2017, the couple celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. For the occasion, the Queen wore her “Scarab” brooch made from yellow gold, which also features ornate ruby and diamond embellishments. It was a personal gift from her husband in 1966.

The Honeymoon Brooch

Topical Press Agency/Hulton Royals Collection/Getty Images

Also known as the chrysanthemum brooch, this jewel was first worn by the Queen on her honeymoon back in 1947. In November 2020, she wore it while celebrating her wedding anniversary with Philip as they read a homemade card from their great-grandchildren.

The Engagement Brooch

Credit: Buckingham Palace

During a February 2021 video call with government officials in charge of the coronavirus vaccine rollout in the UK, the Queen wore a coral dress and pearls. As for the finishing touch, she opted for her Diamond Clematis brooch, which she first wore in public on the day of her and Philip’s engagement in 1947.

The Honeymoon Brooch, Part Two

STEVE PARSONS/AFP/Getty Images

In March 2021, while Philip was hospitalized and as she prepared to deliver her annual Commonwealth Day address, the Queen wore the same honeymoon brooch yet again. The chrysanthemum brooch is made with sapphires and diamonds set in platinum.