HONOURED AT A GLITTERING MANSION HOUSE DINNER
PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MONARCH AT HISTORIC CEREMONY — AND OFFER A ROYAL THANK-YOU TO SOME VERY SPECIAL PEOPLE
Marking a historic tradition for a new monarch in his crowning year, the King attended a glittering white-tie dinner at Mansion House in the City of London, joined by his loving wife the Queen.
As they followed in the footsteps of Kings and Queens dating back to Elizabeth I, tribute was also paid to Elizabeth II, who attended the dinner three times during her 70-year reign.
In a touching nod to her mother-in-law, the Queen teamed her black and silver Bruce Oldfield gown with the former monarch’s favourite headpiece: the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland diamond tiara.
This was the first time Camilla has worn the headpiece, and her choice was particularly significant in a week in which she and the King hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace to thank those involved in Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, as well as people who helped at the coronation eight months later.
SPARKLING THROUGH THE YEARS
Made by London jewellers Garrard in 1893, the dazzling headpiece was a wedding gift to the future Queen Mary. She, in turn, passed it on to her granddaughter Elizabeth – who is said to have referred to it as “Granny’s tiara” – when she married the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.
Versatile and relatively light to wear, it was the former monarch’s preferred tiara for state events and galas – and it can still be seen on banknotes and coins in the UK and Commonwealth that bear her portrait.
To add to her touching tribute, Camilla also wore Elizabeth’s South African diamond necklace – a gift to the then Princess on her 21st birthday – and diamond earrings.
History was very much in the air at the ceremonial dinner. It dates back to 1689 and William III, although it now recognises the work of the City’s trade guilds and civic institutions.
However, it began with an even older tradition, in which His Majesty was presented with the Pearl Sword that represents the authority of the Lord Mayor and is believed to have been given to the City by Elizabeth I in 1571.
Her Majesty dazzled in the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland diamond tiara — said to be Elizabeth II’s favourite
