Posters of original research, analyses, insights etc retain all rights to their work.
Such research etc cannot be used in any format without the written consent of the author.
Duchess of Gloucester. Buckle brooch
Posted by Beth on November 19, 2021, 4:13 pm
Over the years we have had numerous discussions about the buckle shaped diamond brooch worn by Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester and by the present Duchess.
I have often wondered how/when Princess Alice acquired it.
I recently found an image showing Lady Alice Scott (as she then was) wearing the brooch prior to her wedding. I wonder if this was an engagement gift and, if so, from whom?
This is interesting find. I wonder what's the exact date of the photograph? The 30 Aug 1935 edition of the New York Times reported 29 Aug 1935 as the engagement date. If the buckle brooch was first seen worn by Alice after that date and before her wedding, then it could well have been an engagement gift. We may never know the answer, but if it was an engagement gift my first thought would be that her future spouse Henry of Gloucester was the gift-giver. I recall reading i think from Frank's past RJWMB post and on Ursula's website that Queen Mary gave Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons a brooch as an engagement present. She could have done the same for Alice. I don't know if Marina was ever given one.
The photo was taken in mid October 1935, so after the engagement. An engagement present is one possibility, but it is possible that the Duchess had this jewel for a long time. She was a mature lady at the time of her wedding, and her family was very well off.
Thank you for sharing your find here. It does open up a whole lot of different possibilities as to how the brooch came into the possession of the Duchess of Gloucester. I actually thought that it "must" have come via the Royal Family, but of course that is of course narrowing it down too much without any real evidence. And now that we have seen the Duchess wear the brooch before her marriage to the Duke of Gloucester it is just as plausible a piece from the Duchess' side of the family.
Previous Message
The photo was taken in mid October 1935, so after the engagement. An engagement present is one possibility, but it is possible that the Duchess had this jewel for a long time. She was a mature lady at the time of her wedding, and her family was very well off.
on November 19, 2021, 4:13 pm
Previous Message