Dazzling Camilla's a Queen-in-waiting: Duchess wears Queen Mother's tiara as she joins Charles for Commonwealth banquet
- Duchess of Cornwall wore Boucheron tiara once owned by Queen Mother
- Teamed with turquoise evening gown by Bruce Oldfield
- She joined Prince Charles at banquet for Commonwealth leaders
- Earlier in the day she visited children at library in Sri Lanka
- Has kept her style elegant and simple during tour of Indian region
By Lucy Waterlow and Rebecca English
|
Looking every inch a Queen in waiting, the Duchess of Cornwall dazzled at the Commonwealth Heads of Government banquet last night in a tiara once owned by the Queen Mother.
The exquisite honeycomb-patterned Boucheron tiara was loaned to Camilla by the monarch to mark the historic moment Prince Charles first hosted the bi-annual summit of nations.
The priceless tiara was carried around India for nine days in a special case on board the couple’s private jet – carefully looked after by Camilla’s dresser, Jacqui Meakin – before arriving in Sri Lanka on Thursday.
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Regal: The Duchess of Cornwall arrives for the dinner for Commonwealth Heads of Government in Sri Lanka
Dazzling: Her Boucheron tiara was once owned by the Queen Mother
Yesterday it was finally unveiled in all its glittering glory as Camilla joined her husband to greet their guests at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo.
As the hostess, it was Camilla’s job to shine – and she did not disappoint.
Her specially-created turquoise gown with lace and beading at the neckline and arms was by one of her go-to designers, Bruce Oldfield – who also dressed the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
On her left shoulder was pinned the Queen’s Family Order, the sovereign’s highest personal order of merit.
Historic moment: It's the first time Prince Charles has hosted the summit in place of the Queen
Guests of honour: The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall with the President of Sri Lanka Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa and his wife Shiranthi
Glamorous: Camilla floor-length gown was designed by Bruce Oldfield. She carried a matching clutch bag and wore silver shoes
Featuring an exquisite hand-painted miniature of the young Queen set in platinum, the order is given only to female members of the Royal Family.
George IV started the formal practice of presenting Family Orders suspended from a ribbon. His successors continued this practice, with most sovereigns presenting jewelled portraits of themselves suspended on different coloured ribbon.
The Queen awarded her daughter-in-law the honour on the occasion of her 60th birthday, in 2007.
Her diamond earrings and bracelet were a gift from Charles, possibly on the occasion of their wedding in 2005.
Camilla had apparently done her make-up but her hair had been specially blow-dried by her personal stylist, Hugh Green, in a bouffant style to hold the towering tiara.
Although it is widely known as the Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara, its official name is the Greville Tiara.
It was made by Boucheron for the Hon Mrs Greville (a well-known society figure) in 1921 out of stones salvaged from another tiara.
Making the most of the hotel spa? The Duchess
has looked radiant on the trip after the royal couple have spent time at
a luxury resort. She could be seen wearing the Queen's Family Order,
her highest personal order of merit, pinned to her shoulder
Having no heirs of her own, she left her considerable jewel collection to the then Queen Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) when she died in 1942.
Her husband, King George VI, was a little uncertain about accepting the jewels, however, so the inheritance was left in the vault for a few years before Queen Elizabeth decided to dust the tiara off.
She took it to Cartier and in 1953 had it made even bigger by adding to the top line and finishing it off with a marquis-shaped diamond in the centre.
The Boucheron soon became one of her favourites and when she died it was passed along with the rest of her collection to her daughter, the present Queen.
Charles will no doubt be particularly touched at the significance: he adored his late grandmother and loves to see his wife in her jewellery.
He even gave Camilla one of her rings when they got engaged.
Last night’s banquet, one of the highlights of CHOGM, was so significant that a team of staff from Buckingham Palace flew out to oversee it.
Unfortunately the prince and his guests were kept waiting to start their meal as Prime Minister David Cameron was still locked in talks with the country’s controversial president, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Indeed, the summit has been overshadowed by a vocal row over the country’s human rights record, although Charles, mindful of his mother’s need for neutrality, made no reference to the issue in his opening speech yesterday.
MRS GREVILLE'S JEWELS ... THE STORY BEHIND THE BOUCHERON TIARA
Crowning glory: The Queen Mother inherited the tiara from Hon. Mrs Greville from Boucheron
Dame Greville from Boucheron was a well-known society hostess who had a considerable jewellery collection, the crowning glory of which was her tiara.
The honeycomb-patterned jewellery piece was made by Boucheron jewellers for the Hon. Mrs. Greville in 1921 out of stones salvaged from another tiara.
She was a close friend of Queen Mary and, having no heirs of her own, left her considerable jewellery collection to her daughter Queen Elizabeth (the future Queen Mother) when she died in 1942.
It was to became Queen Elizabeth’s signature piece after the King’s death and she wore it consistently throughout her life, well into old age.
Although the
tiara was already spectacular when Her Majesty received it in 1942, she
improved it in 1953 by having Cartier add height to the top tier in the
form of groups of brilliants with one large marquise-cut diamond in the
centre.
Since the
Queen Mother’s death, the Queen has not worn this tiara (unlike the
Queen Mother’s other signature tiara, the Oriental Circlet); instead,
the Queen has loaned it to the Duchess of Cornwall.
She has worn it on a number of special occasions including earlier this year when she attended the State Opening of Parliament for the first time alongside her husband.
For special occasions: Camilla has previously worn the tiara for the State Opening of Parliament, left, and during a royal visit to Amsterdam
The menu, which was organised by Buckingham Palace staff, consisted of a Terrine of Grilled Vegetables and a Sauce Vierge to start with followed by a main course of Pan Fried Modha (a local fish) with Nuwara Eliya organic vegetables and a sauce Hollandaise.
For dessert there was a delicious Mango and Chocolate Parfait with a Strawberry Macaroon.
Wines included a patriotic Camel Valley Brut, Seyval Blanc 2010 from Cornwall.
There was also a Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2012 from Marlborough New Zealand and a Nelson Estate Noble Late Harvest Semillon 2012 from Paarl, South Africa.
On the tables were displays of John White orchids and Michael daisies.
The tables were also laid with the 57 Commonwealth silver toasting goblets, part of a matching set provided by each member state of the Family of Nations.
The goblets are engraved with the respective government's national armorial bearings and are used for any occasion where a formal toast is made.
Also on display behind the couple as they greeted their guests was the Commonwealth Mace, a gift from the Roal Anniversary Trust to the Queen on the 40th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
HOW A MINIATURE PORTRAIT NODS TO A HUGE HONOUR FOR CAMILLA
Camilla wore the Queen's Family Order, her highest personal order of merit, pinned to her shoulder
George IV started the formal practice of presenting Family Orders, or portraits of the Sovereign set in diamonds suspended from a ribbon.
Before 1820, the Sovereign's portrait set in a jewelled frame had been worn by both ladies and gentlemen at Court, and especially by female members of the Royal Family.
George IV's successors continued this practice, with most sovereigns presenting jewelled portraits of themselves suspended on different coloured ribbon for each monarch - that of George V was white, that of George VI was rose pink, and The Queen's is chartreuse yellow.
The Orders are now worn on formal occasions by female members of the Royal Family only. The Queen and her late sister, The Princess Margaret, were given their awards by their father, George VI, and both wore them as young girls at the coronation of their parents in 1937.
More than one Order can be worn at the same time. For example, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother wore the Orders of both The Queen and George VI.
Sitting pretty: Camilla looked youthful as she took her seat at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Opening Ceremony earlier in the day
Arriving in style: The Duchess of Cornwall teamed her white and gold dress with beige accessories and pearls
It was designed by Professor Gerald Benney, one of Britain's leading goldsmiths and Royal Warrant Holder to the Queen.
It is surmounted by the Royal Coat of Arms and by the Commonwealth Symbol. Its middle portion contains the enamelled flags of each of the Commonwealth Nations.
Made in 18 carat gold from Commonwealth sources, it has an oval shaped cabochon ruby at its head.
CAMILLA'S BEAUTY SECRETS
The Duchess of Cornwall has looked more youthful with radiant skin and a slimmer face during her tour of India. Here's how she rolls back the years...
Yoga: She regularly practises yoga after she was introduced to it by Prince Charles's holistic health guru Dr Mosaraf Ali before their wedding in 2005
Diet: On Dr Ali's advice, she has cut back on wheat and dairy.
Bee venom: Camilla has long been a fan of beauty therapist Deborah Mitchell, who treats her regularly with her £165 bee sting facial
Hair dye: Greys can banished as she has honey highlights by Mayfair-based colourist Jo Hansford
As a rule the mace is only used in the presence of the sovereign or an immediate member of the Royal Family representing her as Head of the Commonwealth, as Charles was today.
Charles was seated at dinner next to the President of Sri Lanka. Also at his table was the Sultan of Brunei, the President of Tanzania, the President of Cyprus, the Prime Minister of Samoa and the Prime Minister of St Christopher and Nevis.
Camilla chatted over dinner with, among others, the Australian Prime Minister, the President of Sri Lanka's wife and the Prime Minister of Swaziland.
British Prime Minister David Cameron was also present and seated with the Prime Minister of Pakistan and President Zuma of South Africa.
Earlier today Charles formally opened the meeting for the first time on behalf of the Queen.
The summit has been overshadowed by a vocal row over the country's human rights record, although Charles, mindful of his mother's need for neutrality, made no reference to the issue in his opening speech.
Meanwhile the Duchess of Cornwall attended an event at Colombo's public library to highlight the country's literacy rates wearing a floaty chiffon dress by her favourite designer, Anna Valentine, who also designed her wedding gown.
She teamed her outfit with beige heels and a wicker style handbag while accessorising with pearls.
The dress was an interesting addition to her wardrobe for the tour which has mostly consisted of variety of different pale-coloured tunics.
The gathering of national leaders comes after the couple have been touring India for the last nine days, which coincided with the Prince's 65th birthday.
It is the first time the Prince of Wales has hosted the meeting as he continues to take on more roles usually performed by the Queen.
Strutting their stuff: Camilla walks with President Mahinda Rajapaksa's wife Shiranthi Wickremasinghe
Welcome: President Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka greets the Duchess who is thought to be wearing Anna Valentine
Good choice: The floaty chiffon dress flatters the Duchess' figure
Whilst the royal couple have had a number of engagements to attend on their tour, they've also had opportunities for some relaxing downtime - which clearly showed in the Duchess's visage and demeanour.
She
looked slimmer and glowing with health suggesting she has been taking
advantage of some spa treatments during her stay the luxury Kumarakom
Lake Resort in rural Kerala this week.
The
resort is described as the 'only paradise on earth' with infinity pools
and has a Ayurvedic spa providing massages and detoxing treatments.
Earlier
yesterday, the Duchess visited a public library in the capital,
Colombo, to praise schoolchildren from all backgrounds in an annual
writing competition.
She
also presented a prize to Shenuka Corea, the overall winner of the 2012
Commonwealth Essay Competition, which has been run by the Royal
Commonwealth Society since 1883.
Carnival: The Duchess was given a colourful welcome when she visited Colombo Public Library
Glowing: Camilla seems to be enjoying her visit, perhaps having indulged in some relaxing spa treatments at the luxury resort where they have been staying
It
is the world's oldest and largest essay competition and is open to all
Commonwealth citizens aged 18 or under, offering young people the
opportunity to make their voice heard on a global platform.
She arrived to a traditional local welcome featuring brilliantly clad dancers and drummers before chatting with several of the talented youngsters.
Krishnavi Rathnaranjan, 14, who wrote an award-winning essay on Why Reading Makes You Perfect, told the Duchess that JK Rowling was her favourite author.
Supporting literacy: She spoke to children at the library about her love of Harry Potter
Camilla replied: 'Oh, I love Harry Potter. Have you read all the books and seen the films? I was very sad when it finished. She is a brilliant writer.'
The Duchess was also asked to light a ceremonial candle before the official prize-giving ceremony.
Referring to the Prince of Wales, who almost set his jacket alight yesterday when he brushed past an oil burner, she said: 'I hope I don't set this alight. We've already had enough trouble.'
As she left, Camilla thanked everyone and promised to return, saying: 'I hope I will be back before too long.'
The Duchess is keen to promote the benefits of reading and is patron of the National Literacy Trust, BookTrust and First Story, UK charities which help to promote literacy in young people.
Camilla's tour wardrobe: Duchess keeps her style simple and elegant during visit to India and Sri Lanka
On day one, left, the Duchess wore a turquoise tunic over white trousers with a garland given to her during a Hindu ceremony by the River Ganges. Day two's outfit, centre, was a floaty white dress brightened up with with blue flower print at the Indian Military Academy, while on and day three, right, she wore a pale gold tunic and matching trousers for a visit to the Akshardham Temple
On day four, she wore a pale pink tunic that look lacklustre next to the vibrant colours worn by students at the Asha Sadan children's home in Mumbai, left. She then changed into a cream ensemble glammed up with diamond earrings for an evening reception
Day five fell on Remembrance Sunday so the Duchess wore a pale grey tunic as she visited Commonwealth Graves, left, and changed into a smart black and white graphic print coat and hat for a service
Another day, another tunic. As the tour rolls on, Camilla wears similar styles in mint, left, and tan
A week into the tour, the Duchess wears a pretty paisley print dress, left, then a white gown for Prince Charle's 65th birthday celebrations
She upped the style in a Anna Valentine dress today, left, and Bruce Oldfield evening gown
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It actually looks nice in her hair. She has quite a nice full head of hair. Lots of people lose their hair as they age. They probably used hair spray on her coiffure BEFORE placing the tiara.
Adultery is wrong, but I recall reading about Charles and Camilla making some kind of act of atonement before their marriage - I'm not familiar with what people in the C & E do to show atonement for sins (in my religion there is a specific ritual) but if my memory is correct and they were sincere when they did that then I believe God forgave them. Only he knows what is in their hearts.
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mizdiville, NYC, United States, 2 days ago
Wow the English are very serious about the monarchy