The News
**Queen Elizabeth Attends State Opening of Parliament in London**
Queen Elizabeth made a significant public appearance in London on Tuesday, marking her first outing since November to attend the State Opening of Parliament.
In a departure from tradition, Her Majesty opted for a day dress and hat instead of the customary ceremonial robes and crown.
This event holds particular significance as it is the Queen's first major engagement following the recent passing of her husband, Prince Philip.
Her choice of attire included a pale blue-grey coat adorned with exquisite yellow floral embroidery around the collar.
Adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble, Queen Elizabeth accessorized her spring coat with a pair of diamond and aquamarine brooches.
These stunning pieces were gifted to her by her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, also known as the Queen Mother, on her 18th birthday in April 1944.
The Art Deco design of the brooches features a captivating combination of aquamarines and diamonds, showcasing an eclipse style popularized by Cartier, although they were crafted by Boucheron according to the Royal Collection.
The versatile nature of the brooches allows them to be worn either separately as diagonals or together to form a large oval shape.
During the State Opening of Parliament, Her Majesty chose to wear them in a diagonal arrangement on her dress coat.
Notably, these brooches were last seen adorning the Queen during her VE Day address to the nation last year amidst the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the years, Queen Elizabeth has showcased these cherished brooches on various occasions, including visits to the Netherlands in 1958, Malta in 2005, and Ireland in 2013.
In light of the ongoing Covid-19 situation and related restrictions in the UK, this year's state opening was a more subdued affair, eschewing the grandeur of ceremonial robes and crowns.
Queen Elizabeth embraced the understated theme by donning a blue-grey coat embellished with delicate yellow floral embroidery, layered over a silver dress featuring matching gold floral detailing.
Completing her regal look, the Queen adorned her three-string pearl necklace and diamond and pearl drop earrings, previously worn at Prince Philip's funeral last month.
Her outfit was complemented by a stylish purple and gold hat adorned with floral and feather applique, a reminiscent choice from her appearance at Royal Ascot in 2019.
During the ceremony, Queen Elizabeth sat alone, a departure from the norm as the consort's throne was notably absent for the first time in 120 years.
Renowned fashion journalist Claudia Joseph commended the Queen's sartorial choice, noting her impeccable sense of style even without the ceremonial robes.
The pastel blue attire exuded a sense of charm and elegance, reflecting a serene demeanor amidst personal and national challenges.
Observers also pointed out that grey, a color associated with half-mourning, subtly conveyed the Queen's sentiments.
Style writer Amber Grafland highlighted the significance of the Queen's jewelry selection, particularly the Art Deco-style Boucheron aquamarine and diamond clip brooches.
These accessories not only added a touch of sophistication but also served as a poignant tribute to Prince Philip.