For **16 long years**, Camilla, the Queen Consort, held onto one of Princess Diana’s most cherished jewels: a striking sapphire and diamond pendant that was once a radiant symbol of the late princess’s grace and elegance.
This pendant was not just a piece of royal jewelry; it was a token of everlasting love, imbued with the essence of Diana’s regal yet kind-hearted spirit.
However, in Camilla’s hands, the pendant lost much of its magic, transforming into a symbol of appropriation that left many royal watchers, especially Prince William, deeply uncomfortable.
First showcased by Princess Diana in **1982** at the Royal Opera House, this stunning sapphire pendant set in diamonds quickly became one of her signature pieces.
Diana, always a beacon of beauty and sophistication, wore it with a diamond necklace that complemented her natural glow, illuminating every room she entered. The moment she stepped out in that ensemble, the world stood still, mesmerized by her radiant presence.
Diana would go on to wear the pendant in a myriad of settings, pairing it with evening gowns of all colors at various high-profile events. It was more than just royal jewelry; it was an extension of Diana’s heart. Even after her divorce from Prince Charles, Diana continued to wear the pendant, sending a powerful message that despite the end of her royal marriage, her spirit remained unbroken and independent.
However, in **2006**, almost a decade after Diana’s tragic passing, the sapphire pendant resurfaced in the hands of none other than Camilla, much to the shock and dismay of many. Camilla had taken possession of the pendant, now reworked into a brooch. For some, it felt as though Camilla had not only taken Diana’s husband but was now shamelessly laying claim to the late princess’s jewelry as well. The backlash was swift and fierce, with commentators and royal fans alike outraged, many even labeling Camilla a “thief.” To them, she had no right to wear something so intrinsically linked to Diana’s life.
For Prince William, the pendant was more than just a piece of jewelry; it was a connection to his mother’s memory, her presence, and the grace she embodied. Seeing Camilla wear something so closely associated with his late mother’s dignity and strength must have been a painful reminder of a past he had no control over.
As the years went on, Camilla continued to wear the brooch despite public outrage. However, by **2022**, the pressure from the public had become too much to bear. The onslaught of criticism from royal fans demanding the return of the pendant finally forced Camilla to return the piece to the royal collection. Though this was seen as a concession, it came with a sense of relief for those loyal to Diana’s memory.
It wasn’t until the pendant found its rightful place with **Princess Catherine**, Diana’s daughter-in-law, that the piece was truly restored to its former glory. Catherine, the Princess of Wales, wore the brooch with regal elegance during the state visit of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to London. Much like Diana, she possesses an innate ability to carry herself with grace and dignity, making her the perfect heir to Diana’s timeless style.
For William, seeing the brooch finally worn by his beloved wife must have been a moment of both pride and bittersweet reflection. No longer would the pendant serve as a reminder of past hurts and betrayals; instead, it would symbolize love, continuity, and a deep connection to his mother’s enduring legacy. Now, in the hands of Catherine, the brooch is more than just a royal accessory; it’s a tribute to Diana’s everlasting influence on the royal family—a piece that symbolizes not just royalty, but also love, elegance, and integrity.