When Queen Elizabeth returned to Britain in 1952 after the passing of her father, she wore a flame lily brooch pinned to her black dress, symbolizing her connection to her beloved father. This brooch, along with other meaningful accessories, will be part of a special Coronation exhibition at Windsor Castle.
The flame lily brooch holds sentimental value as it was a gift from 42,000 schoolchildren in Rhodesia, shaped like the national flower of Zimbabwe. Designed by jeweler H H Bell and crafted by Eric Kippin, this piece was a reminder of the happy memories the Queen shared with her parents during a tour of South Africa in 1947.
Throughout the years, the Queen has worn the flame lily brooch on various occasions, including visits to the Chelsea Flower Show and Buckingham Palace garden parties. The exhibition at Windsor Castle also features other mementos that highlight the close relationship between the Queen and her parents, such as the maple leaf brooch given to the Queen Mother by King George VI.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is the Norman Hartnell coronation gown, showcasing intricate embroideries symbolizing the Queen’s commitment to the Commonwealth, a cause dear to her father. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a set of four brooches gifted to the Queen by the Sultan of Oman, as well as the stunning diamond Coronation necklace and earrings worn by Queen Victoria, Queen Mary, and the Queen Mother.
The exhibition, “Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Coronation,” will be open to visitors at Windsor Castle from July 7 to September 26, 2022. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the Queen’s most iconic accessories and their significance in her reign, seventy years after she ascended the throne. Discover the stories behind these cherished items and their role in shaping the Queen’s legacy.