Queen Camilla selected one of the most exquisite pieces from the royal jewellery collection for today’s State Opening of Parliament.
The Queen arrived at Westminster wearing the Diamond Diadem, also known as the George IV State Diadem.
This marks the third occasion on which Her Majesty has donned the spectacular headpiece for the ceremony, having previously worn it at the 2023 and 2024 State Openings.
No State Opening took place last year, as the parliamentary session from 2024 continued without interruption.
The diadem remains among the most recognisable and treasured items in the entire royal collection.
It was created by the royal jewellers Rundell & Bridge, who received the commission in 1820 and finished the piece that May.
Its original price of £8,216 would equate to approximately £815,000 in today’s currency.
Philip Liebart, the firm’s principal designer, conceived the piece, drawing inspiration from early concepts for George IV’s Imperial State Crown.
Queen Camilla selected one of the most exquisite pieces from the royal jewellery collection for today’s State Opening of Parliament
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The headpiece features an astonishing 1,333 diamonds set within its frame.
At the centre of the front cross sits a pale yellow brilliant-cut stone weighing four carats.
A slender band adorned with pearls completes the elegant design.
King George IV himself wore the diadem during his coronation procession.
During the ceremony, King Charles was adorned with the Robe of State and the Imperial State Crown
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Today’s speech contained over 35 bills and draft bills, addressing matters relating to environmental policy, economic affairs and healthcare
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The King and Queen were escorted to Parliament via horse and carriage, in the Irish State Coach, and accompanied by military bands and grand processions.
Today’s speech contained over 35 bills and draft bills, addressing matters relating to environmental policy, economic affairs and healthcare.
However, it did omit any mention of the nation’s bourgeoning welfare bill, which is expected to reach an extraordinary £406billion by the end of the decade.
Some 8.3 million people in the UK now claim Universal Credit – a figure that has risen by 830,000 in the past 12 months.