Queen Camilla Wore the Historic Diamond Diadem at the State Opening of Parliament

King Charles III’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament may have captured headlines, but Queen Camilla’s dazzling jewelry caught our eyes.

The royal wore the famous Diamond Diadem, also known as the George IV State Diadem, during the historic event at the House of Lords chamber in Westminster on Wednesday morning.

The storied headpiece was made by royal goldsmith Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell in 1820 for King George IV’s coronation. It has been passed on to every monarch since, giving it an incredible, two-century legacy. The late Queen Elizabeth II wore the crown on the way to her 1953 coronation and to all State Openings, meaning Queen Camilla made not only a stylish but sentimental statement by following suit.

The diadem, which is ordinarily displayed with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, was likely created by Rundells’s chief designer Philip Liebart, according to the Royal Collection Trust. The intricate design is lined with silver and gold and set with diamonds and pearls. It is also topped with four cross pattées and four sprays representing the national emblems of England, Ireland, and Scotland (roses, shamrocks, and thistles). The crown showcases some 1,333 diamonds, with the center of the front cross showcasing a four-carat, brilliant-cut yellow diamond. That wasn’t enough bling for Camilla, though: Her Majesty paired the diadem with a sparkling diamond necklace and matching diamond earrings.

To balance out all that extravagant ice, Camilla donned a simple white gown by one of her go-to designers. The dress, made by couturier Fiona Clare, featured a classic A-line skirt, long, slightly exaggerated sleeves, and embroidery on the hemline and cuffs. To top it off, the queen sported a pair of silver leather pumps by Eliot Zed. She has also worn shoes from the Chelsea boutique in the past.

King Charles, meanwhile, wore the robe of the state, the legendary Imperial State Crown, and other royal regalia. From the Sovereign’s Throne, he delivered a speech outlining Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plans for Britain, the new Labour government’s policies, and the proposed legislation for the upcoming parliamentary session. The State Opening has been used to mark the start of a parliamentary year since the late 14th century. The royal ceremony is full of tradition and the carefully choreographed pomp and pageantry that England does best. Dare we say the Diamond Diadem was the best part?