Feb 21, 2025
Queen Camilla Wears a Horseshoe Brooch Like Princess Charlotte
The Queen had the perfect accessory for a day at the racecourse Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen
The Queen had the perfect accessory for a day at the racecourse
Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty;Chris Jackson/Getty
Queen Camilla pinned on something special for her latest day at the Ascot Racecourse, drawing comparisons to a similar piece in Princess Charlotte's collection.
On Feb. 15, the Queen, 77, attended the Ascot Chase Raceday at Ascot Racecourse, where she judged the "Best Turned Out Horse" for the Ebony Horse Club Reynoldstown Novice's Chase race and met young people who have benefitted from the charity.
It was a show of support for the Brixton-based community riding center she has backed as president since 2009, and Camilla wore the heirloom horseshoe Minoru Brooch for the festive day at the races.
Alan Crowhurst/Getty
According to The Court Jeweller, the sapphire and ruby Minrou Brooch traces back to the reign of King Edward VII, who was so thrilled with the success of his horse Minrou at the Epsom Derby that he had souvenirs commissioned to celebrate. That royal collection is thought to include the pin — featuring the racehorse's name — which Queen Camilla is known to sport for days at the races.
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Queen Camilla isn't the only member of the royal family to memorably wear a horseshoe-shaped brooch. Princess Charlotte, now 9, wore a diamond horseshoe brooch to Queen Elizabeth's funeral on September 19, 2022, at Westminster Abbey. The brooch was a touching tribute to her great-grandmother, who had a well-known passion for horses and equestrian sports.
The accessory had family history and previously was worn by the Queen Mother, and in an extra special touch, Prince William and Kate Middleton's daughter received the brooch from Queen Elizabeth herself.
Princess Charlotte has even taken up her great-grandmother's hobby of horseback riding, taking lessons in the sport.
While attending an event to meet and honor British Olympians at Buckingham Palace in October 2016, Kate "emphasized that Charlotte has this passion about horses, and although she doesn't echo it, she'll do her best to champion and encourage it," Paralympic Equestrian Natasha Baker said at the time.
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