The Princess of Wales looked stunning today as she made an appearance at Wellington Barracks in London to take part in the Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Princess Kate, who is Colonel of the Irish Guards, did not attend the event last year as she was diagnosed with a type of cancer and was undergoing treatment for it.
The future Queen looked radiant in a dark green coat by Alexander McQueen, a colour-matching hat, black suede high-heeled boots, black gloves and a black leather bag. For jewellery, she opted for Kiki McDonough’s green tourmaline, green amethyst and diamond earrings in 18k gold.
She also wore her traditional Irish Guards gold shamrock brooch, which she typically wears for the special day and which has a rich history itself.
The 18-carat, yellow gold piece’s history is shrouded in mystery. It has been reported that unlike other pieces worn by the royals, which belong to the Royal Family and form part of the Crown Jewels, the shamrock brooch belongs to the Irish Guards, who loan it to members of the Firm who are associated with their regiment.
Kate first wore the piece in 2011, shortly after the wedding to a medal parade for the regiment at Victoria Barracks and has been known to be the only royal who has publically worn it ever since.
This marked the first time the princess wore a brooch in an official capacity following her marriage to Prince William. According to jewellery experts, the delicate piece, which features a small emerald in the centre of its leaves, is estimated to cost £2,250.
The shamrock brooch is thought to have been designed by Cartier, and its first royal holder was reportedly Princess Mary, the Princess Royal and Countess of Harewood, in 1961.
After her death in 1965, the brooch is said to have been purchased by the regiment and has since been worn by the late Queen Mother and Princess Anne. Believed to have been designed by Cartier, the brooch was reportedly presented to Princess Mary by the regiment in 1961. After her passing in 1965, the brooch was purchased by the regiment at an auction of her personal jewellery.
According to experts, the brooch carries a sentimental value for Kate as it was the first one she ever wore in an official capacity as a royal, and it also features an emerald, which is her birthstone.
Maxwell Stone, of Steven Stone, said: “Loaned to members of the Royal Family by the Irish Guards in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Kate first wore her shamrock brooch in 2011 and is reported to have exclusively worn it since then.
“Believed to have been designed by Cartier, the piece is made from 18 carat yellow gold and features a tiny, single emerald at the centre of the textured leaves.
“Previously worn by the Queen Mother and Princess Anne also, Kate has worn the brooch on several visits to Northern Ireland as well as to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The brooch no doubt holds further significance for Kate, as it’s the first brooch that she ever wore in an official capacity as a royal. I’d estimate this simple yet stunning brooch to be worth £2,250 ($3,000).”
