Edit: I was totally mistaken in thinking that any of these brooches worn in the late 1940s might have been the last one (number 6) I now know that brooch was given to QEQM in 1950 see http://mb.boardhost.com/historyroyaljewels/msg/1550203385.html

After World War II Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother began to wear a large diamond floral spray brooch.


1. Here worn going to Crathie church 13 September 1952.


I strongly suspect that this may be a Greville piece because HM started to wear it (or at least be photographed wearing it) in 1946. The style seems reminiscent of earlier times rather than a modern item such as the sapphire flower brooch, which we know George VI gave to HM before the war. It is a flamboyant yet tasteful piece, something which I associate with Mrs Greville. Of course, I could be very much mistaken.

2. QEQM wearing it on (according to Getty) 12 December 1946.


3. Tatler 31 March 1948 (I am not 100% sure that this is the same brooch. It may be the one depicted at the end of this post.)



4. Sketch 23 June 1948



5. 12 July 1949



QEQM wore it frequently throughout the 1950s but at some stage it was given to Princess Margaret. It was not auctioned so perhaps it remains with the family.

It is possible that some of the photos above may show a different floral brooch which HM wore. What do others think?

The other brooch which may have been worn when some of the photos were taken.

6.

I have wondered if the brooches marked 2, 3 and 4 might not be the one marked 6. If so, my argument that HM began to wear the brooch in 1946 is not valid. What do others think? Edit: Obviously I was wrong on this account!!