The Monarch of Mourning
Following Prince Philip’s death on April 9, Queen Elizabeth II entered an official eight-day mourning period for her beloved husband of 73 years. At his funeral on April 17, she accessorized her all-black ensemble with a large diamond-and-pearl brooch that has sentimental and special significance for her.
Known as the Richmond brooch, the chrysanthemum-shaped piece originally belonged to her grandmother, Queen Mary. According to , the symbolic jewelry was gifted to Mary as a wedding present in 1893 by the town of Richmond, where her family had lived for two decades, and she wore it on her honeymoon. Queen Elizabeth has worn it to many formal engagements over the years with Prince Philip, including military remembrance events to honor people who have lived a life of service, much like her late husband. The brooch features a center pearl and a drop pearl, which
