Tragic story behind Queen Camilla’s stunning Belgian Sapphire royal tiara
The Belgian Sapphire tiara was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourites
Queen Camilla turned heads in the glittering Belgian Sapphire Tiara on Tuesday (July 8) evening, marking another elegant appearance at a royal state banquet.
Camilla joined King Charles to host a state banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron.
But the true standout was the tiara she wore, a jewel steeped in royal history and scandal.
Queen Camilla first wore the iconic tiara in 2022 (Credit: SplashNews)
Queen Camilla wears Belgian Sapphire Tiara
The Queen, 76, chose the Belgian Sapphire Tiara, which she had previously worn at her very first state banquet as Queen Consort in November 2022.
On this latest occasion, she paired the dramatic sapphire diadem with the matching necklace, earrings, and bracelet from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection.
Camilla completed the look with an ivory and silk crepe embroidered evening gown by Fiona Clare.
The Belgian Sapphire Tiara is one of the few tiaras Queen Elizabeth actually purchased herself. Unlike many inherited or gifted pieces, she acquired it to complete a suite of sapphires that had sentimental value, a wedding gift from her father, King George VI.
But behind the sparkle lies a tragic origin story.
Originally a necklace, the jewels were owned by Princess Louise of Belgium, daughter of King Leopold II, in the late 1800s.
Louise’s life was plagued with scandal and personal turmoil. After an unhappy marriage to Prince Ferdinand Philipp of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, Louise embarked on a series of affairs.
She eventually fell in love with Count Geza Mattachich, an Austrian officer.
However, their elopement in 1897 caused a scandal across Europe. Prince Philipp challenged Mattachich to a duel, and in the fallout, Louise was institutionalised while Mattachich was imprisoned.
Though they were eventually reunited in Paris, Louise’s life spiralled into debt.
Her father ultimately sold off her jewels, including the now-iconic sapphire tiara, to settle her affairs.
The Belgian Sapphire tiara was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourites (Credit: SplashNews)
How the Belgian Sapphire tiara came to the royal family
The tiara changed hands again before being purchased by Queen Elizabeth II in the 1960s.
She had it altered in 1963 to complement her sapphire necklace and earrings. However, the modifications meant it could no longer double as a necklace.
Queen Elizabeth II famously wore the Belgian Sapphire Tiara at the Colombian State Banquet in 2016 and again for her official Windsor Castle portrait in 2019.
Queen Camilla has clearly embraced its legacy, having worn the piece on multiple occasions since becoming consort.
Alongside her tiara at the banquet, she donned the Royal Family Order of King Charles III.
The brooch features a miniature portrait of the King set on a yellow ribbon.
Camilla’s appearance came amid a packed summer of royal engagements, including Trooping the Colour, the Order of the Garter ceremony, and Royal Week in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Princess Kate also donned an iconic tiara at the state banquet. The Princess of Wales chose Princess Diana’s iconic Lover’s Knot tiara for the occasion.
She paired the jewels with a striking red Givenchy gown. The gown was designed by Sarah Burton and featured a dramatic caped back, cinched waist, and pleated A-line skirt.
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