ROYALS REMEMBER THEIR QUEEN

Over an emotional few days, Charles and the family let their guard down, showing the extent of their grief

- Judy Kean

She may be gone, but the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II lives on as her family continue to pay homage to her in a variety of touching ways.

Over the past few weeks, there have been obvious tributes to the late Monarch, such as the emotional unveiling of bronze statues of her and husband Prince Philip at London’s Royal Albert Hall, and the King’s reference to his “beloved mother” in his speech at the State Opening of Parliament. However, some of the other ways she’s been remembered have been particularly poignant and personal.

The Princess of Wales paid her respects to her grandmother-in-law by wearing a pearl necklace and matching earrings that had belonged to the Queen during the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

Palace expert Judi James says the jewellery isn’t Kate’s usual style but was obviously “a very important and powerful homage to the late Queen”.

Meanwhile, the current Queen, Camilla, donned her mother-in-law’s crown and necklace for the formal opening of Parliament. The George IV State Diadem crown was worn by Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953 and at State Openings of Parliament. The image of her used on British stamps since 1967 shows her wearing the diadem.

“This particular crown has been around since 1820 but is very strongly associated with Elizabeth II, who wore it on special occasions for 70 years,” says a royal source. “Camilla is very aware of its history and significance, and it must have been very special for her to wear it.”