Duchess Camilla did something so special for the Queen as she faced difficult day without Prince Philip

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall visits Maggie's Barts at St Bartholomew's Hospital on October 07, 2020 in London, England
(Image credit: Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage via Getty)

Duchess Camilla accompanied the Queen as she carried out her first major public engagement since Prince Philip's death and she showed her support for the monarch in a very special way.

Duchess Camilla and Prince Charles attended the State Opening of Parliament on May 11 as they supported the Queen at her first major royal appearance since her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, passed away. As a pivotal member of the Royal Family, sometimes called The Firm, the Duke of Edinburgh often sat alongside her at this important state occasion until his retirement in 2017.

This year’s opening featured a particularly heartbreaking detail that many might have missed as the Consort’s Throne was removed from the House of Lords since his passing. 

The Queen instead sat alone on the Sovereign's Throne, with Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla a short distance away from her.

Though whilst they were not sitting next to Her Majesty, Camilla found a particularly special way to support her mother-in-law at this difficult time. 

Queen Elizabeth II delivers the Queen's Speech in the House of Lord's Chamber with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall seated (R) during the State Opening of Parliament at the House of Lords on May 11, 2021 in London, England

For this public engagement, Camilla chose an elegant cream dress and matching coat, but it was the brooch that accessorized her outfit that holds great meaning for her and the Queen. 

This beautiful piece of jewellery is the Queen Mother’s Rock Crystal Brooch, believed to have been borrowed by Camilla from the Queen herself.

The Queen Mother was previously pictured wearing this stunning piece attached to her hat and it’s said that she began wearing it back in the 1920s.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attends the State Opening of Parliament at the House of Lords on May 11, 2021 in London, England

In contrast, Camilla wore it pinned to the left side of her coat. Behind the crystals, the back is transparent allowing the colour of the clothing beneath it to show through.

But this isn't the only piece of the Queen Mother’s jewellery Camilla has worn in recent times. Earlier this year, the Duchess of Cornwall was seen wearing another stand-out brooch in a video shared in honour of Burns Night.

This diamond brooch is shaped like two thistles and was once a favourite of the Queen Mother, who again also wore this on her hat. 

Queen Elizabeth visiting Clarendon House, Toc H (Married Couples) Services Club, 20 Queensbury Place, South Kensington. Here The Queen, sporting a thistle emblem in her hat, chats to Private and Mrs John Flood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

It is no doubt incredibly meaningful for Her Majesty to be reminded of her beloved mother with Camilla’s brooch choices. 

As heir to the throne, it will have been important for Prince Charles to attend the event. As for the Duchess, although there has been confusion over the years about will Camilla be queen one day, Clarence House has previously confirmed that The Duchess of Cornwall will not  become 'Queen' and will instead use the title 'Princess Consort'.

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.