King Charles and Queen Camilla touched down in Rome on Monday, April 7 to kick off their anticipated state visit to Italy. Although The King was briefly hospitalized in late March, Their Majesties arrived in Italy on schedule, ready to take on a busy few days of engagements (and celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary). On April 8, Queen Camilla chose a regal ensemble for a day that included visits to the Colosseum and Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian president—and her historic brooch brings back memories of numerous queens who came before her.
Camilla, who wore a blue silk crepe dress and matching coat by one of her favorite designers, Fiona Clare, showed off a sparkling sapphire and diamond brooch that's steeped in history. Known as Prince Albert's Brooch, the Garrard design features an enormous oval-shaped sapphire surrounded by diamonds and per The Court Jeweller, was given by Prince Albert to Queen Victoria on their wedding night in 1840.
