Queen Camilla’s Stunning Brooch Is Worth $10 Million (& It Has a Surprising Tie to Princess Diana)

Thought to be one of the most significant pieces in the royal collection, the Prince Albert brooch was originally purchased by Albert from Garrard as a gift for his soon-to-be wife, Queen Victoria, in 1840, according to the Court Jeweller. He gave the diamond and sapphire piece to her the night before their wedding, something she noted in her royal diary with enthusiasm, calling it a “splendid brooch, a large sapphire set round with diamonds, which is really quite beautiful.”

In fact, Victoria loved the piece so much, she added it to her wedding dress the following day and wore it frequently over the years. It was so meaningful to her that she dubbed it an “heirloom of the crown,” which means it’s designed for future use by all queens. (Queen Elizabeth II wore it frequently, too.) Its modern-day value? The brooch is estimated to be worth $10 million, per The Mirror.

Back to Camilla: The queen chose to wear the showstopping piece for a visit to Quirinale Palace, the official residence of the Italian president. She paired it with a blue silk crepe dress and coat by Fiona Clare—a daytime look made all the more elegant, thanks to the brooch.

But here’s the kicker: The Prince Albert brooch is said to have inspired Princess Diana’s engagement ring, given to her by King Charles in 1981. The late Princess of Wales famously chose her ring straight out of Garrard’s catalog, a break in tradition considering royal brides usually opted for a bespoke piece. You can see the similarities to the brooch—the center sapphire, the diamond halo—immediately. (Of course, Kate Middleton now famously wears Diana’s engagement ring.)

Camilla is said to reach for the brooch for special royal occasions only (like a state visit to Germany in 2023, pictured above). We’d say her 20-year wedding anniversary totally counts. The fact that the piece draws a line through royal history to Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, even Princess Diana and Kate Middleton is fascinating and fun.