The Royal Ascot proceeded as scheduled this year, but Kate’s absence was notably felt. Speculation abounds as to who could step in as the royal “spokesperson,” as the older generation can’t handle all public affairs alone. However, replacing the royal figurehead isn’t easy, and Kate’s fashion influence is hard to match.
This year’s Royal Ascot could be seen as a selection process, featuring duchesses, princesses, and even Zara Tindall (Princess Anne’s daughter) and Laura Lopes (Camilla’s daughter). Whose jewelry taste do you think stands out the most?
With Kate absent, Camilla naturally took center stage. On the first day, she appeared in a royal blue ensemble, adorned with the Albert Prince Consort’s Sapphire Brooch, a heavyweight piece from the royal heirlooms.
This isn’t her first time wearing this brooch, a token of love given by Prince Albert to Queen Victoria on the eve of their wedding. Her choice to wear it now seems to carry a subtle message of “showing affection.”
Indeed, despite their age, the royal couple still emphasizes their partnership. Charles wore a carefully collected antique brooch that day, with the main stone engraved with the royal emblem of Tsar Boris III of Bulgaria (1894-1943), who, like Prince Albert, hailed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
On the second day, Camilla toned down the color saturation, opting for a white lace and powder blue outfit, brightened by a turquoise brooch. This exquisite diamond and turquoise brooch is also from the royal heirlooms and similarly symbolizes love. It was one of the wedding gifts from King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra to Queen Mary.
On the third day, Ladies’ Day at Royal Ascot, Camilla retrieved another heirloom brooch from the royal vault – “The Ladies of India Brooch.” This was Camilla’s first time wearing this antique brooch.
As the name suggests, it’s related to India. It originally belonged to Queen Mary, a gift from a women’s group called “The Ladies of India.” Queen Mary wore it to the Delhi Durbar Coronation ceremony in 1911, paired with the full Delhi Durbar parure.
This brooch features a hexagonal carved emerald as its centerpiece, with engravings on both sides, framed by diamond decorations. Queen Mary paired it with her Cambridge Emeralds, creating a fusion of East and West.
On the fourth day, Camilla found a massive brooch from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection – the Jardine Star Brooch, a favorite of the late Queen. This was Camilla’s first time wearing it. According to Leslie Field’s book “The Queen’s Jewels,” this brooch was a gift to Elizabeth II from a Lady Jardine in 1981.
Strangely, no one knows who this mysterious Lady Jardine was, or who created the brooch. From its style, it’s believed to be a 19th-century antique, as star-shaped jewelry was very popular then.
Despite the lack of records, Elizabeth II was very fond of this all-diamond brooch and wore it frequently. It pairs well with outfits of any color. Interestingly, exactly five years ago, she wore this brooch to the Royal Ascot. Perhaps this is why Camilla chose to debut it at the races – as a tribute to the Queen.
On the final day of Royal Ascot, Camilla, who had been the only royal to attend all days of the event, concluded her appearances with one of her own pieces of jewelry – an antique topaz brooch necklace. This is a familiar piece to many, a love token purchased by Charles for her at a Sotheby’s auction in 2000. The 1830s diamond and pink topaz brooch came with matching earrings.
However, Camilla didn’t wear it publicly until 2006, when she had it converted into a centerpiece for a five-strand pearl necklace, transforming it into a luxurious jewel. This timing is noteworthy, as the couple officially married in 2005, leading many to speculate that this was Charles’ intended wedding gift for her.
While Camilla diligently maintained a royal presence at Ascot, other duchesses who are usually less visible also made appearances to boost royal attendance. First among these was Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. As the only member of Charles’ generation whose marriage remains intact, she and Prince Edward had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this month.
Since Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties and Kate’s absence, Sophie has stepped up to take on more royal public engagements. This is largely due to necessity, as she, her husband, and Princess Anne are now the only healthy, less-burdened members of the royal family.
Sophie attended Ascot for two days, both times incorporating floral elements in her outfits and accessorizing with small, charming pieces of jewelry to complement the floral theme.
Another notable attendee was Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Elizabeth II’s first cousin). Though not previously a core member of the royal family, she’s become more prominent due to the current shortage of working royals.
At the recent Garter Day ceremony, the royal family broke a 700-year tradition by awarding her the Order of the Garter. She is the first “non-royal blood” member of the royal family to receive this honor without being married to a monarch or heir apparent.
Now 77 years old, the Duchess of Gloucester is fully committed to her royal duties. She made a strong showing at Ascot, wearing impressive jewelry for each appearance: on the first day, she wore a pearl necklace with an antique pendant, and on the second day, she appeared in a sapphire set.
Of course, the most dedicated royal member remains Princess Anne. As Charles’ sister and the Princess Royal, she diligently attends every royal event. However, Ascot is likely a pleasure for her, given her lifelong love of horseback riding. At the races, she showed no interest in competing for attention, simply appearing in traditional pearls.
However, when she appeared wearing the Queen’s three-strand pearl necklace and a golden horse brooch, it inevitably brought back memories of the late Queen. The mother and daughter shared a genuine love for horse riding, undoubtedly giving them a deeper appreciation for the essence and spirit of Royal Ascot.
The glory of the British Royal Family cannot rely solely on septuagenarians. With the third-generation princesses sidelined, it’s time for the princesses and their daughters to step up! The public may not be as familiar with the Windsor family’s third generation (counting from the well-known Elizabeth II as the first generation), especially since Charles began streamlining the monarchy, resulting in less exposure for other third-generation members.
The King likely finds himself in an awkward position now. His streamlining efforts led to the exclusion of his contemporary, Prince Andrew, while the third generation saw Harry and Meghan’s departure and Kate’s illness. The three young Cambridge children are still too young to take on royal duties. Now, with Charles himself battling cancer, only Camilla, Anne, and Edward and Sophie remain, all over 70 years old.
Recent news reported that Princess Anne suffered a minor concussion on June 25th, suspected to be from a horse-related incident while walking, requiring rest. This “royal workhorse” previously shouldered a third of all royal engagements, and now she too is indisposed. It’s truly time for the third-generation princesses to rise to the occasion.
In fact, the royal third generation, William’s peers, includes quite a few members. For instance, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, daughters of Prince Andrew, have been making more public appearances lately. They were present at Royal Ascot, though Beatrice, known as the “Hat Princess,” continued her tradition of pairing floral prints with hats, wearing minimal jewelry.
Beatrice has been at a slight disadvantage, as she didn’t have pierced ears until recently, limiting her earring options. She’s recently had her ears pierced and wore small hoops, hopefully signaling more jewelry showcases in the future.
Princess Eugenie maintained a low profile, wearing the same jewelry on both days – her wedding earrings. These pear-shaped emerald and diamond earrings were a wedding gift from her husband, designed to complement the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara she wore on her wedding day.
Zara Tindall, Princess Anne’s daughter, inherited her mother’s and grandmother’s love for equestrianism, becoming an Olympic gold medalist for Britain. Her presence at Royal Ascot was fitting. Despite lacking a royal title, her grace and fashion sense rival Kate’s. She was arguably the “most eye-catching presence” at this year’s Ascot, earning Baobao’s vote.
On the first day, she appeared in a lavender gown, adorned with modern pearl drop earrings that complemented her collar’s textural design. The second day saw her in a pale yellow dress with a matching hat, exuding a natural, pastoral charm, perfectly accented by citrine earrings.
Camilla’s daughter, Laura Lopes, also attended Royal Ascot, subtly wearing pearl earrings with a navy blue ensemble. One wonders if Camilla is using this opportunity to give her daughter more chances to “ascend” in royal circles.
Beyond these, the royal third generation includes Prince Edward’s children, though they’re quite young. His daughter Louise is 20, while son James is only 16. Both maintain a low profile, focusing on their studies and rarely participating in royal events. They were absent from this year’s Ascot. However, Lady Louise attended the recent Trooping the Colour, showing promising poise, and is one to watch.
After reviewing the royal family’s showing at Royal Ascot, it seems no one can truly replace Kate as the “Royal Icon.” Let’s all wish Kate a speedy recovery and look forward to her return, adorned with dazzling royal jewels.
In her absence, who do you think could temporarily fill the role of the royal family’s jewelry icon? After all, there are so many brilliant heirlooms that need to be showcased. Royal watchers, cast your vote!
Royal Jewels in Transition: Who Can Fill Kate’s Stylish Shoes at Ascot?
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