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Queen Alexandra wearing gifts from South and North Wales
Posted by Beth on September 4, 2019, 6:25 am
For her wedding Queen Alexandra received some spectacular jewels from the Welsh; North Wales and South Wales giving separate presents.
South Wales
North Wales. The gifts were the leek brooch at the top left hand corner, the brooch with Prince of Wales feathers in the bottom right hand corner and the emerald earrings.
There are numerous press reports of Queen Alexandra, as Princess of Wales, wearing "emerald ornaments", but usually nothing to distinguish what these ornaments were.
During an official visit to Wales in 1881, Edward and Alexandra attended a ball in Swansea, and the press stated clearly that the Welsh gifts were worn.
Several things attracted my attention. First that Queen Alexandra wore the earrings. How she arranged the three brooches is a mystery, although no doubt the large "badge" from South Wales was in the centre of her bodice. Unfortunately, I cannot find a photograph or even a sketch of HM on this occasion.
The badge, described as 6 to 7 inches long, is a massive jewel.
The leek "badge" from North Wales in comparison is only 2 and a half inches long. Even so, it is a large, cumbersome looking jewel.
As seen on QEQM for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales.
I have always wondered if Queen Alexandra ever wore the large badge from South Wales. Hopefully, we will be able to find other instances.
Re: Queen Alexandra wearing gifts from South and North Wales
To be honest with you I had never thought of this badge before ! what a shame !
This bade must be very huge and beautiful !
I do think that this badge is in the vault as all the other emerald jewels have been inherited by QEQM and now worn by the Duchess of Cornwall (except the emerald bracelet).
Thank you again !!
Very best regards,
Franck
Previous Message
For her wedding Queen Alexandra received some spectacular jewels from the Welsh; North Wales and South Wales giving separate presents.
South Wales
North Wales. The gifts were the leek brooch at the top left hand corner, the brooch with Prince of Wales feathers in the bottom right hand corner and the emerald earrings.
There are numerous press reports of Queen Alexandra, as Princess of Wales, wearing "emerald ornaments", but usually nothing to distinguish what these ornaments were.
During an official visit to Wales in 1881, Edward and Alexandra attended a ball in Swansea, and the press stated clearly that the Welsh gifts were worn.
Several things attracted my attention. First that Queen Alexandra wore the earrings. How she arranged the three brooches is a mystery, although no doubt the large "badge" from South Wales was in the centre of her bodice. Unfortunately, I cannot find a photograph or even a sketch of HM on this occasion.
The badge, described as 6 to 7 inches long, is a massive jewel.
The leek "badge" from North Wales in comparison is only 2 and a half inches long. Even so, it is a large, cumbersome looking jewel.
As seen on QEQM for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales.
I have always wondered if Queen Alexandra ever wore the large badge from South Wales. Hopefully, we will be able to find other instances.