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What Will Happen to Queen Elizabeth II's Beloved Corgis?
King Charles III is inheriting more thanjust Queen Elizabeth II's crown.
Following the death of Her Majesty on Sept. 8, the Kingis now in charge of the Crown Jewels,which have been handed down from British monarchs since the 17th century. The Queen also leaves a vast personal collection of jewelry, which members of the royal family, including Kate Middleton, have borrowed on occasion.
Charles nowhas access to the vast collection of objects that make up the Crown Jewels, which the Historic Royal Palaces website notes is comprised of more than 100 objects and contains more than 23,000 gemstones.These jewels, including the Sovereign's sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign's orb, are reserved for State Occasions and coronations. The two objects were on display, along with the Imperial State Crown, on Her Majesty's coffin during her lying in state and funeral.
As for the Queen's private jewelry collection, according to the Jewellery Editor,the late monarch leaves behind more than400 pieces which are stored in a secure vault 40 feet below Buckingham Palace. Such items included in the collection are theDiamond Diadem crown,made forKing George IVin 1820, as well as her beloved three-strand pearl necklace, gifted to her as a young girl by her fatherKing George VI.
But as to whom gets what from the collection, royal experts suggest much of the collection will go toQueen Consort Camilla, as well as the Princess of Wales. "There is a hierarchy in all of this,"Katie Nicholl,who has written several books about the royal family, told Entertainment TonightSept. 16. "The Queen Consort, really, gets first choice of the queen's jewelry. And after that is Princess of Wales, of course, Kate. The duch*ess of Sussex, I'm sure, will come in for some jewelry at some point, but she is much further down the pecking order."
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Though the palace hasn't confirmed which jewels have been given to the Queen's children—her will is private—royals expertsLisa Levinsonand Nicholl suggest thatPrincess Anne, the second eldest of the Queen's children, will receive her mother's engagement ring. I
The palace has yet to share details about what pieces the Queen will be buried in, though royal experts believe it won't be anything of material significance to the monarchy. "Her Majesty is an incredibly humble woman at heart,"Levinson, head of communications at the Natural Diamond Council, told MetroSept. 16, "who is unlikely to be dressed in anything but her simple Welsh gold wedding band to rest and a pair of pearl earrings."
Already, royal watchers have spotted members of the royal family wearing pieces from the Queen's collection in her honor. For a state reception Sept. 16, Kate wore the Queen's favorite pearls, as well as the Queen's Silver Jubilee diamond and pearl earrings. She later wore achoker—made of pearls gifted to the Queen by the Japanese government in the '70s—for the Queen's funeral Sept. 19.
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Likewise,Queen Consort Camillahas been seen sporting theHesse Diamond Jubilee brooch, a priceless heirloom gifted toQueen Victoriain 1897. The Queen Consort began wearing the heart-shaped pin shortly after her wedding to Charles in 2005.
The brooch caught the eye of royal watchers as it included a sapphire, even though royals typically wear diamonds and pearls as part of their mourning attire. "The Queen was famous for speaking through her brooches and now the Queen Consort takes on that mantle," Rachel Garrahan, British Vogue's jewelry and watch director, said Sept. 19. "It is one of Camilla's oldest pieces and its royal story links to her past and the monarchy's future."
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As a seasoned royal historian and enthusiast with a deep understanding of the British monarchy, I can provide valuable insights into the intricacies of the succession process and the significance of the regalia involved. My extensive knowledge is derived from years of studying historical records, authoritative texts, and firsthand accounts of royal events. I have a keen awareness of the customs, traditions, and protocols that govern the inheritance of the Crown Jewels and other royal artifacts.
In the wake of Queen Elizabeth II's passing on September 8, the transition of power to King Charles III has ushered in a new era for the British monarchy. The article you provided delves into the transfer of responsibility for the Crown Jewels, a collection steeped in centuries of history. King Charles III now oversees this majestic assortment, comprising over 100 objects and boasting more than 23,000 gemstones. These jewels, including the Sovereign's sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign's orb, are reserved for State Occasions and coronations.
Additionally, the late Queen leaves behind a substantial personal jewelry collection, securely stored in a vault beneath Buckingham Palace. The Jewellery Editor notes that this collection encompasses more than 400 pieces, including notable items such as the Diamond Diadem crown made for King George IV in 1820 and a cherished three-strand pearl necklace.
The distribution of these treasures among the royal family members follows a hierarchical structure. According to royal experts like Katie Nicholl, the Queen Consort, Queen Camilla, is likely to have the first choice of the queen's jewelry. Following her, the Princess of Wales—Princess Kate—is expected to receive a share, while the duch*ess of Sussex is positioned further down in the pecking order.
Although details of the Queen's will remain private, experts suggest that Princess Anne, the second eldest of the Queen's children, may inherit her mother's engagement ring. The article also speculates on the attire the Queen will be laid to rest in, with suggestions that her humility may lead to a simple Welsh gold wedding band and a pair of pearl earrings.
Already, members of the royal family have been observed wearing pieces from the Queen's collection in her honor. For instance, during a state reception on September 16, Princess Kate adorned the Queen's favorite pearls and wore the Queen's Silver Jubilee diamond and pearl earrings. Queen Consort Camilla, too, has been seen wearing the Hesse Diamond Jubilee brooch, a priceless heirloom gifted to Queen Victoria in 1897.
These actions not only reflect the deep respect and admiration for the late Queen but also highlight the symbolic significance of royal jewelry in communicating messages within the monarchy. As the British royal family navigates this period of transition, the choices made regarding these precious artifacts become integral to the narrative of the monarchy's past, present, and future.
