King Charles and Camilla shake hands with school children

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla have arrived in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, as they begin their tour of the four nations before the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on Monday, September 19. The couple chatted to fans in the crowd and shook their hands.

Camilla looked elegant as she stepped off the plane in Belfast with King Charles III.

The royal donned a simple black dress with a slightly pleated skirt and wore sheer black tights and shiny black heels to complete the outfit. 

However, what stood out most was her brooch: it was a sparkling shamrock, which paid tribute to the people of Northern Ireland.

Camilla has donned this brooch for visits to Northern Ireland in the past.

The brooch features smooth Persian turquoise gems set in the centre of each of the three leaves of a diamond shamrock.

A larger diamond sits where the leaves are joined, and another tiny diamond trefoil springs from the stem of the brooch.

One of Camilla’s most noteworthy appearances with the brooch came back in 2014, when she wore the jewel for the funeral of the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire.

Following this occasion, one of the posters at the Royal Jewels of the World Message Board, suggested the brooch could be the diamond and turquoise brooch listed among the Queen’s wedding gifts in 1947.

That brooch was a gift from the Dowager Duchess of Portland.

The Queen Consort wore the brooch again in February 2019 and, most recently, in March earlier this year while on a tour of Northern Ireland with her husband.

Leading diamond expert Maxwell Stone, from Steven Stone jewellers, previously told Express.co.uk: “Camilla’s shamrock brooch is very eye-catching and definitely unique.

“While other royals such as Kate Middleton and Queen Elizabeth are known for wearing shamrock brooches on St Patrick’s Day, they tend to be more traditional, made with emeralds and yellow gold.”

Max explained that this brooch features “three leaves of Persian turquoise stones surrounded by high quality white diamonds”.

He also estitmated the price of the jewel, saying: “I’d estimate that this exceptional piece has a value of around £25,000.”

Camilla had pinned the brooch onto the left lapel of her dress, which was a classy number that reached her knees.

The garment featured long sleeves and a V-neckline. Its skirt was slightly pleated and billowed outwards.

Meanwhile, Charles donned a black suit with a spotted handkerchief in its jacket pocket.

Royal fans have taken to Twitter to express their opinions on the new King and Camilla as they greeted Northern Irish crowds.

One user wrote: “Just watching King Charles and Queen Camilla meeting the crowds on his tour of Northern Ireland. Watching the joy on the children’s faces while they shake hands reminds me of the joy i felt meeting the Queen as a child in 1977. Future Royalists in the making hopefully!”

Another person tweeted: “King Charles and Queen Camilla out of their car, doing walkabout lots of happy smiling faces, cheers, hand shakes, great to see the schoolkids there, watching history. He looks more relaxed today, Camilla doing well.”

The crowds in Belfast seemed happy to welcome Camilla and Charles to their city, but others will be less impressed due to their Irish identity and Ireland’s history with the British crown.

Source: Read Full Article