Queen Camilla’s crown jewel moment steals spotlight at state opening of parliament

Queen Camilla made a truly regal appearance alongside King Charles for the State Opening of Parliament, choosing a breathtaking historic diadem from the Crown Jewels. Her choice of accessories also included a touching and deeply personal tribute to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Camilla was a picture of elegance as she accompanied King Charles for the State Opening of Parliament on May 13, 2026. For the grand occasion, the 78-year-old Queen chose a stunning embroidered white gown by one of her favourite designers, Fiona Clare. The dress featured a sophisticated Queen Anne neckline, full-length sleeves, and a graceful train, a classic silhouette befitting the solemnity of the event. While she added a modern touch with a pair of silver heels, all eyes were drawn to the spectacular array of diamonds she wore, headlined by a truly magnificent crown.

A diadem steeped in history

For the third consecutive year, Queen Camilla opted to wear the glorious George IV State Diadem. This iconic piece of royal history is one of the most recognisable jewels in the royal collection. It was commissioned back in 1820 by the flamboyant King George IV from the jewellers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, and its design is a testament to the grandeur of the era. The silver and gold frame is set with an incredible 1,333 diamonds, weighing a total of 320 carats. Among them is a stunning four-carat pale yellow brilliant diamond, which sits proudly at the centre of the front cross. The intricate openwork frame is further adorned with two rows of pearls along its base.

The diadem is also rich in symbolism, featuring a subtle nod to the United Kingdom. Woven into the design are the national emblems of England, Scotland, and Ireland, represented by elegant diamond-encrusted roses, thistles, and shamrocks, respectively. While created for a king, it has exclusively been worn by queens and queens consort since the time of Queen Adelaide. Its most famous wearer was the late Queen Elizabeth II, who wore it on the journey to her coronation in 1953 and for almost every State Opening of Parliament during her 70-year reign. By choosing this piece, as detailed by HELLO! magazine, Queen Camilla creates a powerful visual link of continuity with her revered predecessor.

A touching tribute to the late Queen

Elevating her jewellery suite even further, Queen Camilla paired the historic diadem with another piece cherished by Queen Elizabeth II: the Coronation Necklace. This spectacular necklace, comprising 28 brilliant-cut diamonds, was created in 1858 for Queen Victoria and has been worn by every queen at their coronation since. The late Queen wore it frequently, and Camilla's decision to wear it for such a significant state occasion is seen as a heartfelt tribute.

This gesture is part of a wider pattern of honouring her late mother-in-law. For her own coronation in May 2023, Queen Camilla made the historic decision to modify Queen Mary’s Crown rather than commission a new one, a move widely interpreted as a nod to sustainability and modernity. As part of the modifications, the crown was reset with the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds from Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection, which she often wore as brooches. This personal touch ensured the late monarch was symbolically present on the day. Following the coronation, the crown was officially renamed Queen Camilla’s Crown in January 2025 and placed on public display at the Tower of London.

By thoughtfully selecting pieces with such profound history and personal connection, Queen Camilla is skilfully blending the monarchy's grand traditions with a more modern and personal approach, honouring the past while forging her own path as Queen.