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The Royal Family Released a Striking New Photo of Princess Anne, and I Noticed a Hidden Message in Her Jewelry

She's had it for decades

princess anne knotted brooch hidden meaning
Darren Staples/Getty Images

Princess Anne has worn meaningful jewelry in the past, like when she recycled a beloved brooch. But the accessory she wore during her latest outing holds a super-special meaning. 

Today, the Princess Royal celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Royal Navy Sailing Association (RNSA) by visiting the charity for the first time in her new role as Admiral. The royal family shared a striking portrait on Instagram, and I immediately noticed that Princess Anne was wearing a familiar accessory that paid tribute to the outing’s nautical theme.

I’m talking about her knotted brooch, which was pinned to her asymmetrical collar. The gold accessory features a rope design that’s woven into a rectangular knot, complete with small rubies and pearls. 

The accessory was a low-key tribute to the RNSA because knots are commonly used in boating. Plus, they symbolize unity and unbreakable bonds in Celtic tradition.

Unlike other pieces in her jewelry collection, the brooch wasn’t passed down from a late royal family member. However, it still holds a special meaning because it was given to Princess Anne on her 40th birthday, which had a nautical theme.

princess anne knotted brooch hidden meaning
Chris Jackson/Pool/Getty Images

Since then, the Princess Royal has worn the accessory for several maritime-related events, including her 70th birthday. In an interview with Hello! magazine, Scottish jeweller Alf Grant shared details about how he designed the piece. 

"I was commissioned to design and make a brooch for the Princess Royal as part of her 40th birthday and [for] her visit to Helensburgh yacht club for the opening of their new clubhouse in June 1990," the jeweller tells us. 

"The brooch was to be presented to her on the day of the opening of their new clubhouse, hence the nautical theme," he remembers. "I [chose] a reef knot made from nine-carat yellow gold wire formed into a rope, Scottish freshwater pearls [to] represent the Scottish connection, and rubies to mark her 40th birthday. This took in all the elements of her visit."

I love this subtle tribute. 

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greta

Senior Editor, News and Entertainment

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