Never one to slow down, Princess Anne recently attended the 2025 Household Division Musical Spectacular at Horse Guards Parade in London – a celebration of British military music featuring bands from across the Armed Forces.
The Princess Royal looked elegant in a long-sleeved royal blue wrap dress, but it was her choice of accessory that truly caught the public’s attention. Many believed she was wearing the famed Prince Albert brooch – regularly seen on Queen Elizabeth II and now Queen Camilla – but in fact, Anne wore a replica of the iconic diamond and sapphire piece. The brooch, a gift from her mother, Queen Elizabeth II, has been part of Princess Anne’s collection for decades.
According to fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone, the replica captures the grandeur of the original, which was first gifted by Prince Albert to Queen Victoria on their wedding day in 1840. It carries immense sentimental value and reflects the deep-rooted traditions of royal jewellery – making it a fitting choice for such a regal occasion.
“On their wedding day in 1840, Prince Albert presented Queen Victoria with a stunning diamond and sapphire brooch – an exquisite gesture of love that would become a cherished royal heirloom. Few know, however, that Albert also had replicas of the brooch commissioned. One of these was reportedly purchased by Queen Elizabeth II for her daughter, Princess Anne.
The original piece features a striking oval or cushion-cut sapphire estimated to weigh at least 40 carats. This mesmerizing gem is surrounded by 12 large diamonds, likely totalling around 12 carats. Given its vivid colour and exceptional clarity, the sapphire may have originated in Burma. Today, the brooch’s historical significance and royal provenance would likely place its value at around £8 million. If Princess Anne’s version is indeed an exact replica, it would carry a similar valuation.
After inheriting the brooch, Queen Elizabeth II made it one of her signature accessories, often wearing it as the centrepiece of her most memorable ensembles. Since her passing and King Charles III’s accession, Queen Camilla has continued the tradition, wearing this and other heirloom sapphire pieces.
The brooch’s enduring influence even extends to modern royal romance – it is said to have inspired the design of the Princess of Wales’s engagement ring, originally gifted to Princess Diana by the then Prince Charles. This connection only deepens the brooch’s sentimental and symbolic importance within the royal family.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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