Queen Camilla, like the Princess of Wales, has an extensive accessory collection, which she often uses to convey subtle messages as well as to enhance her style. One standout example is her frequent choice of a necklace featuring the initials of her four non-royal children—a heartfelt tribute to her family.
On Thursday, 6 November, Queen Camilla attended the 97th annual Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The event, organised by the Poppy Factory, holds special significance for the Queen, who has served as its patron for 12 years. This year, however, she chose to wear an accessory rich in both royal history and personal meaning: a very special brooch that once belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The brooch is fashioned in the shape of the badge of the Royal Lancers, a regiment with which Queen Camilla’s late father, Major Bruce Shand, served during the Second World War. Major Shand became a highly decorated officer, earning two military crosses during his service. By wearing this brooch, the Queen offered a personal tribute at an event dedicated to national remembrance.
Fine jewellery expert Zack Stone, from UK retailer Steven Stone, commented on the significance of Queen Camilla’s choice:
“It’s heart-warming to see Queen Camilla wearing the Royal Lancers Brooch—not just because it was previously worn by Queen Elizabeth II, but because the Queen’s late father served with the 12th Lancers during World War II. Thus, it’s of even greater sentiment to her.”
Elaborating further, Stone noted:
“King Charles appointed Queen Camilla to be Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Lancers in 2023, strengthening her link to the regiment.”
The brooch’s design also carries rich symbolism. It features a skull and crossbones, known as ‘The Motto’, which has become one of the most recognisable emblems across regiments of the British Army, representing the motto: death or glory. On the details, Stone observed:
“While the skull itself appears to be studded with small diamonds, the red flags are presumed to be embellished with rubies, while sapphires are likely to comprise the scroll at the bottom.”
Given its royal provenance and exquisite design, Stone estimates the brooch’s value at around £10,000.
A tribally personal piece, the brooch is a meaningful nod both to Queen Camilla’s family and to her late father’s distinguished military career. Major Bruce Shand was commissioned into the 12th Royal Lancers in 1937, serving with distinction in France and earning two military crosses during his decade-long career in the army.
By choosing this brooch for the Field of Remembrance, Queen Camilla poignantly intertwined her own story with a moment of shared national reflection.
https://www.hellomagazine.com/fashion/royal-style/866281/queen-camilla-10k-skull-addition-outfit-from-queen/