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Fate of the British Royal Jewel Collection
Posted by JasonD on July 7, 2019, 3:25 pm
I was thinking this afternoon about QEII latest brooch to debut at the Scottish garden party, and though gee she has a collection. I remember looking at the ‘Dressing the Queen’ book some time ago, and seeing a number of smaller brooches that we have rarely / never seen HM wear. Anyway, it got me to thinking, why HM never seems to pass on any brooches to her grand-daughters etc. For example, I don’t ever recall Princess Beatrice or Eugenie wearing and brooches passed down etc.. I’m not suggesting excessively valuable, or historical pieces, but with such a large collection, it seems a shame for to be stored away.
In the same vein, I wonder whether HM will bequeath many items through her will - somehow I think not. When you think of Queen Mary, you think of the extensive parures that she gave each daughter in law, and then the items she gave Princess Margaret etc... HM doesn’t seem to have this inclination. For example, Sophie, Beatrice, Eugenie, Katherine etc all do not appear to have a simple collet necklace.
I do fear if HM does not distribute much, that it will be generations before we see many pieces again. Let’s face it - Camilla seems to really only prefer her pearl chokers, even though she has numerous coloured gem necklaces. It’s not a criticism, just the way things has gone over the years. Likewise I cannot see Camila gifting / distributing much - she will more play a caretaker role I think. So it may well not until Katherine becomes the new PoW or Queen before we see items dusted off.
These are just my Sunday afternoon thoughts - what do others feel?
I have always had the feeling that QEII's decisions may be influenced by possible reactions in some sectors of the press. I recollect the press campaigns which led to the police protection for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie being withdrawn. Then there is the fact that neither of these Princesses has been required to attend evening functions where grand jewels are the norm.
It would appear that HM's practice of lending jewels to the Duchess of Cambridge ensures that she is seeing wearing royal jewels of significance at the relevant times -- for example Queen Alexandra's pearl wedding gift necklace, various bracelets belonging to QEII, the Greville ruby necklace, various tiaras etc.
It is also possible that QEII's decisions are to ensure that there is a pool of jewels which various royal ladies can borrow. When gifts are made, there is always the possibility that some where along the line jewels will have to be sold either to meet living expenses or pay taxes in the next generations.
And she's seen what's happened with other significant jewels over the years like those of Princess Margaret. There's not much call to wear such heavy significant pieces that the Queen wears any more. Many modern clothes do not support the wearing of brooches even. She may not want to see family heirlooms which can not be replaced ending up at public auction or being lost when gifted away.
I agree with your comments surrounding large / highly valuable pieces not being gifted. However, perhaps I was not clear in my original post. I’m thinking more about a simple brooch gifted to a granddaughter on their 21st birthday for example.
Returning to the nexus of my post, there are SO many examples of brooches that just can’t all be physically worn, for example, any of the following might have been gifted to Beatrice or Eugenie: - Diamond Rose of York - each receiving one of the smaller Nizam of Hyderabad Rose Brooches. - the Vanguard Rose Brooch - the diamond swan - the Malta Aquamarine - the coral rose - the Emerald and Diamond Celtic Knot Brooch - the Gold Lace Work Brooch - the Gold Trellis Brooch - the multi coloured floral spray - the Queen Mother’s multi coloured leaf brooch - the Sapphire and Ruby Flower Spray Brooch and Earrings - the Tutti Frutti Bouquet Brooch
The list could go on.... Each of these are smaller in value and ALL would be worn with pride by any granddaughter. I really believe we would have seen the girls repeatedly wear any of the above items at Royal gatherings over the years eg Ascot, weddings, Trooping of Colour etc... However, to date it does not appear to be the practice of QEII to pass on anything. Not a criticism, just an observation.
Again, thanks for your houghton in your responses.
Hi JasonD, to specifically answer your question though. I feel that HM does gift nice simple jewels to her females heirs but I gather they do not dawn them in public but maybe at private family gatherings. The royal family is smart and savvy thinking. To have one's female heirs dawning expensive or simple pieces would make them more of a target for the British press and public.
I mean just look at the storm created by what the Sussex's refurbished home and holding a private christening caused. If one wears certain jewels in public, wouldn't this act attract the tax man and insurers?
HM and most senior royals pays no tax on their jewels or objects de art as they are all known as the royal collection and seen as state property, but her granddaughters who are royal but because of their position being far from the throne, they will be taxed like any ordinary citizen if they were to have certain assets publicly known.
When it comes to gifting jewels to other royal houses, I believe the days for that may have ended but I still do feel they are very private gifting to foreign royals but same is never revealed and it may be not jewels but some kind of book or art piece as was the case with the president of Italy and the Obamas of recent. But the Queen does gift royal orders and insignias to members of foreign royalty and select them to take up task in her armies, maybe these gifts has largely replaced the once jewelled ones, and if one takes into consideration that the insignias are lined with diamonds, it is still jewellery.
HM though I believe wants to keep the royal collection intact and this is why she only does loans as was the case with the Lovers Knot tiara and PD, but this shall surely prove itself with the passing of say the Princess Royal. It would be interested to note if her jewels goes to the block or back to the royal vaults or if same is split half to auction and the other half to vaults.
Regards,
Dave.
Previous Message
Thanks for your response folks.
I agree with your comments surrounding large / highly valuable pieces not being gifted. However, perhaps I was not clear in my original post. I’m thinking more about a simple brooch gifted to a granddaughter on their 21st birthday for example.
Returning to the nexus of my post, there are SO many examples of brooches that just can’t all be physically worn, for example, any of the following might have been gifted to Beatrice or Eugenie: - Diamond Rose of York - each receiving one of the smaller Nizam of Hyderabad Rose Brooches. - the Vanguard Rose Brooch - the diamond swan - the Malta Aquamarine - the coral rose - the Emerald and Diamond Celtic Knot Brooch - the Gold Lace Work Brooch - the Gold Trellis Brooch - the multi coloured floral spray - the Queen Mother’s multi coloured leaf brooch - the Sapphire and Ruby Flower Spray Brooch and Earrings - the Tutti Frutti Bouquet Brooch
The list could go on.... Each of these are smaller in value and ALL would be worn with pride by any granddaughter. I really believe we would have seen the girls repeatedly wear any of the above items at Royal gatherings over the years eg Ascot, weddings, Trooping of Colour etc... However, to date it does not appear to be the practice of QEII to pass on anything. Not a criticism, just an observation.
Again, thanks for your houghton in your responses.
The British government places great emphasis on taxes and collections such as the royal collection is troublesome if it were to be insured as one would have to spend too much money on insuring these items which makes no real returns and this is why their is no real division between the queen's private jewels and what we know to be crown jewels because I gather it would be untenable for HM or any reigning monarch to pay out millions per year just to ensure items which do not make any real money. I feel there will come a time when the crown jewels may be held by the British museum/s of relics of the past and the then remainder of the royal family will just hold onto a tenth of what they would have accumulated over the centuries, just enough not to break their bank accounts paying to ensure jewels. The royals as we know them may not last past the now PG if he ascends the throne as the world continues to morph into certain orders we cannot imagine. One defunct royal house one may look to for an example is the Greek royal house, but they still retain much of their jewel collection so one wonders how they spend to ensure the jewels security and safe keeping along with taxes and insurance? Maybe like the wealthy Westminster family they have made a deal with the government where taxes are concerned.
Regards,
Dave.
Previous Message
I was thinking this afternoon about QEII latest brooch to debut at the Scottish garden party, and though gee she has a collection. I remember looking at the ‘Dressing the Queen’ book some time ago, and seeing a number of smaller brooches that we have rarely / never seen HM wear. Anyway, it got me to thinking, why HM never seems to pass on any brooches to her grand-daughters etc. For example, I don’t ever recall Princess Beatrice or Eugenie wearing and brooches passed down etc.. I’m not suggesting excessively valuable, or historical pieces, but with such a large collection, it seems a shame for to be stored away.
In the same vein, I wonder whether HM will bequeath many items through her will - somehow I think not. When you think of Queen Mary, you think of the extensive parures that she gave each daughter in law, and then the items she gave Princess Margaret etc... HM doesn’t seem to have this inclination. For example, Sophie, Beatrice, Eugenie, Katherine etc all do not appear to have a simple collet necklace.
I do fear if HM does not distribute much, that it will be generations before we see many pieces again. Let’s face it - Camilla seems to really only prefer her pearl chokers, even though she has numerous coloured gem necklaces. It’s not a criticism, just the way things has gone over the years. Likewise I cannot see Camila gifting / distributing much - she will more play a caretaker role I think. So it may well not until Katherine becomes the new PoW or Queen before we see items dusted off.
These are just my Sunday afternoon thoughts - what do others feel?
We are all in for a big surprise when Her Majesty passes. Get ready for a very slimmed down royal family. Prince Charles has already been pushing for this with the ousting of Prince Andrew's family.
I think QEII passing will end a long period of grand scale jewels. I wouldn't even be surprised if in the future a museum will house all the brooches and unworn jewels. I think gloves and stocking are next to go. Sadly.
Her majesty hasn't given a thing away to anyone (again non historic pieces) which I think is so odd. They Queen has also have withdrawn from the international royal set. (Wouldn't it have been wonderful to see QEII give Crown Princess Victoria a brooch for her wedding?)
I personally think this future is not very smart. If it was up to me I would put many of the lesser royals to work. using their positions through highly visible charity work and other patronages. And the lesser jewels would be distributed or pooled.
I am not a tax paying supporter of royalty. But if I were. I would rather them live without valets and cooks and instead work (while wearing beautiful jewels! hahaha!)
Previous Message
The British government places great emphasis on taxes and collections such as the royal collection is troublesome if it were to be insured as one would have to spend too much money on insuring these items which makes no real returns and this is why their is no real division between the queen's private jewels and what we know to be crown jewels because I gather it would be untenable for HM or any reigning monarch to pay out millions per year just to ensure items which do not make any real money. I feel there will come a time when the crown jewels may be held by the British museum/s of relics of the past and the then remainder of the royal family will just hold onto a tenth of what they would have accumulated over the centuries, just enough not to break their bank accounts paying to ensure jewels. The royals as we know them may not last past the now PG if he ascends the throne as the world continues to morph into certain orders we cannot imagine. One defunct royal house one may look to for an example is the Greek royal house, but they still retain much of their jewel collection so one wonders how they spend to ensure the jewels security and safe keeping along with taxes and insurance? Maybe like the wealthy Westminster family they have made a deal with the government where taxes are concerned.
Regards,
Dave.
Previous Message
I was thinking this afternoon about QEII latest brooch to debut at the Scottish garden party, and though gee she has a collection. I remember looking at the ‘Dressing the Queen’ book some time ago, and seeing a number of smaller brooches that we have rarely / never seen HM wear. Anyway, it got me to thinking, why HM never seems to pass on any brooches to her grand-daughters etc. For example, I don’t ever recall Princess Beatrice or Eugenie wearing and brooches passed down etc.. I’m not suggesting excessively valuable, or historical pieces, but with such a large collection, it seems a shame for to be stored away.
In the same vein, I wonder whether HM will bequeath many items through her will - somehow I think not. When you think of Queen Mary, you think of the extensive parures that she gave each daughter in law, and then the items she gave Princess Margaret etc... HM doesn’t seem to have this inclination. For example, Sophie, Beatrice, Eugenie, Katherine etc all do not appear to have a simple collet necklace.
I do fear if HM does not distribute much, that it will be generations before we see many pieces again. Let’s face it - Camilla seems to really only prefer her pearl chokers, even though she has numerous coloured gem necklaces. It’s not a criticism, just the way things has gone over the years. Likewise I cannot see Camila gifting / distributing much - she will more play a caretaker role I think. So it may well not until Katherine becomes the new PoW or Queen before we see items dusted off.
These are just my Sunday afternoon thoughts - what do others feel?
I think that Her Maj has a great sense of duty and history and will not leave anything much to anyone bar Charles and possibly William.
Having said that she may ensure that Sophie has some lifetime loans to see her through.
I also suspect that some of her most private jewells such as those given by family and her husband may be given out so that each grandchild has a bracelet, ring or earrings or brooch.
Mike
Previous Message
I was thinking this afternoon about QEII latest brooch to debut at the Scottish garden party, and though gee she has a collection. I remember looking at the ‘Dressing the Queen’ book some time ago, and seeing a number of smaller brooches that we have rarely / never seen HM wear. Anyway, it got me to thinking, why HM never seems to pass on any brooches to her grand-daughters etc. For example, I don’t ever recall Princess Beatrice or Eugenie wearing and brooches passed down etc.. I’m not suggesting excessively valuable, or historical pieces, but with such a large collection, it seems a shame for to be stored away.
In the same vein, I wonder whether HM will bequeath many items through her will - somehow I think not. When you think of Queen Mary, you think of the extensive parures that she gave each daughter in law, and then the items she gave Princess Margaret etc... HM doesn’t seem to have this inclination. For example, Sophie, Beatrice, Eugenie, Katherine etc all do not appear to have a simple collet necklace.
I do fear if HM does not distribute much, that it will be generations before we see many pieces again. Let’s face it - Camilla seems to really only prefer her pearl chokers, even though she has numerous coloured gem necklaces. It’s not a criticism, just the way things has gone over the years. Likewise I cannot see Camila gifting / distributing much - she will more play a caretaker role I think. So it may well not until Katherine becomes the new PoW or Queen before we see items dusted off.
These are just my Sunday afternoon thoughts - what do others feel?
I do think that it is difficult to know the fate of the British Royal jewel collection.
Please find below my answers to this question :
1° My feeling is the fact the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge are lent the most important jewels (well known) for example the Delhi Durbar tiara, the Greville boucheron tiara...the Lover knot tiara...
2° We have also to bear in mind that Princess Anne was lent a huge unknown diamond tiara on least once : the double Greek key tiara. Same thing with Princess Eugenie with the Emerald greville tiara...
3° Contrary to what many think, princess Diana was lent many jewels at the beginning of her wedding...maybe also unknown jewels from us such as the diamond floral necklace worn with E. Taylor or the pearl and diamond choker worn several times in 1981.
4° I have the feeling that the Countess of wessex is lent jewels which are not known by the public (or us)..for example the necklaces worn only once or the brooch with citrines worn also by QEII.
I am however struck by the fact the jewels lent by QEII and worn by the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess are always known by us...except few jewels such as the enormous citrine ? brooch or the sapphire and diamond pendant brooch, the aquamarine and diamond demi-parure which must be from the vault.
Franck
Previous Message
Great thread idea.
I think that Her Maj has a great sense of duty and history and will not leave anything much to anyone bar Charles and possibly William.
Having said that she may ensure that Sophie has some lifetime loans to see her through.
I also suspect that some of her most private jewells such as those given by family and her husband may be given out so that each grandchild has a bracelet, ring or earrings or brooch.
Mike
Previous Message
I was thinking this afternoon about QEII latest brooch to debut at the Scottish garden party, and though gee she has a collection. I remember looking at the ‘Dressing the Queen’ book some time ago, and seeing a number of smaller brooches that we have rarely / never seen HM wear. Anyway, it got me to thinking, why HM never seems to pass on any brooches to her grand-daughters etc. For example, I don’t ever recall Princess Beatrice or Eugenie wearing and brooches passed down etc.. I’m not suggesting excessively valuable, or historical pieces, but with such a large collection, it seems a shame for to be stored away.
In the same vein, I wonder whether HM will bequeath many items through her will - somehow I think not. When you think of Queen Mary, you think of the extensive parures that she gave each daughter in law, and then the items she gave Princess Margaret etc... HM doesn’t seem to have this inclination. For example, Sophie, Beatrice, Eugenie, Katherine etc all do not appear to have a simple collet necklace.
I do fear if HM does not distribute much, that it will be generations before we see many pieces again. Let’s face it - Camilla seems to really only prefer her pearl chokers, even though she has numerous coloured gem necklaces. It’s not a criticism, just the way things has gone over the years. Likewise I cannot see Camila gifting / distributing much - she will more play a caretaker role I think. So it may well not until Katherine becomes the new PoW or Queen before we see items dusted off.
These are just my Sunday afternoon thoughts - what do others feel?
on July 7, 2019, 3:25 pm
Previous Message