On 12th December 2024, Queen Camilla was joined by a group of terminally and seriously ill young people as they decorated her Christmas tree at Clarence House.
The young people, supported by Helen & Douglas House hospice and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, were warmly welcomed by Her Majesty, who is a patron of both organisations.
For the annual event, a cherished tradition at Clarence House for 19 years, the Queen looked stunning in a long-sleeved navy suede dress, which she paired with two intriguing brooches – one in the shape of a moth and the other in the form of a horsefly.
Leading diamond experts at the UK retailer Steven Stone have carefully examined the insect brooches, revealing all the details, including their significant value.
Moth Brooch
Estimated Value: £32,000 ($40,000)
Often mistaken for a butterfly, Queen Camilla’s moth brooch is a striking design, featuring dark blue sapphires complimented by a collection of round-cut diamonds, all set in yellow gold.
The piece has been a part of Her Majesty’s collection for many years, and she has worn it on several notable occasions, including during her early years as the Duchess of Cornwall. She most memorably wore it on Christmas Day in 2016, and again this past summer, when bidding farewell to the Emperor and Empress of Japan at Buckingham Palace.
It is particularly poignant that Queen Camilla chose to wear this brooch when meeting children with life limiting conditions, as moths are widely regarded as symbols of healing and transformation – embodying the quiet strength and beauty that arise from embracing change and personal growth.
Horsefly Brooch
Estimated Value: £5,000 ($6,500)
Queen Camilla’s horsefly brooch sparked widespread fascination among royal fashion enthusiasts and jewellery experts when she first wore it during a visit to Shrewsbury earlier this year.
Expertly crafted from yellow gold, the stunning brooch takes the form of a horsefly, with its body and eyes beautifully set with sapphires. Its wings glisten with the radiance of diamonds, adding an air of elegance to the intricate design.
The brooch’s origins remain a mystery. Following Queen Camilla’s inheritance of Queen Elizabeth II’s extensive jewellery collection, speculation has arisen that this may be the coveted piece believed to be one of the late monarch’s earliest acquisitions—a diamond bee brooch, set with a cabochon sapphire.
“Queen Camilla’s moth brooch – often mistaken for a butterfly – features dark blue sapphires and round-cut diamonds set in yellow gold. A cherished piece in her collection for years, she has worn it on several memorable occasions, including Christmas Day in 2016 and during a farewell to the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Its significance was especially poignant when she wore it recently while meeting children with ill health, as moths symbolise healing and transformation – representing strength and beauty through change. I’d estimate it to be worth £32,000.
No stranger to insect brooches, Queen Camilla also wore her striking horsefly brooch. Crafted from yellow gold, the piece features a detailed horsefly design, with sapphires adorning its body and eyes, and diamond-encrusted wings. While its origins remain a mystery, the brooch – which captivated royal enthusiasts and jewellery experts when Her Majesty debuted it earlier this year – is believed to be part of the collection inherited from Queen Elizabeth II. It’s much smaller than the horsefly brooch, thus, I’d value it at the much lower price of £5,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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