Princess Anne's 57-Year-Old Keepsake at King Harald's Funeral Reads as "Respectful Rather Than Decorative," Says Jewelry Expert
Our take
The subtle power of royal jewelry choices often speaks volumes, and Princess Anne’s decision at King Harald’s funeral was no exception. As Nilesh Rakholia expertly points out in *Marie Claire*, her selection of a 57-year-old keepsake, rather than a more overtly celebratory piece, was a “very deliberate” act of respect. This resonates deeply within the established protocols of royal mourning, where symbolism and understated elegance hold considerable weight. It’s a world we've seen reflected in other recent royal moments, such as Princess Kate's Eton College jewelry echoing Princess Diana in one key way Princess Kate's Eton College Jewelry Echoes Princess Diana in One Key Way, Says Jewelry Expert, showcasing a continued adherence to tradition while subtly injecting personal meaning. The broader context of this funeral, with Prince William stepping in for King Charles Prince William Pivots From Eton Dropoff to King Harald's Funeral As He Steps in for King Charles, further underscores the solemnity and the importance of honoring established customs.
The significance isn’t simply about the age of the piece, but what it represents: a quiet acknowledgment of history, duty, and enduring relationships. Pearls, as a collective choice amongst the royal women present, held their traditional significance—a symbol of mourning and respect—but Anne's particular choice elevated that sentiment. Choosing a piece worn for decades suggests a deep personal connection to the late King and perhaps a reflection on the long history of diplomatic ties between Norway and the UK. It's a far cry from the more ostentatious displays of wealth sometimes associated with royalty; this is about conveying reverence and shared history. Even the circumstances surrounding other attendees, such as Marius Borg Høiby’s special permission to attend Marius Borg Høiby Leaves House Arrest for King Harald's Funeral Amid Mom Queen Mette Marit's Health Struggles, added another layer of emotional weight to the proceedings, making Anne’s understated choice all the more poignant.
This emphasis on understated elegance and symbolic meaning aligns perfectly with a broader shift in how luxury and heritage are perceived today. It’s a move away from overt displays of opulence and towards a more discerning appreciation of quality, craftsmanship, and the stories behind objects. The “quiet luxury” aesthetic, currently dominating fashion and design trends, mirrors this sensibility. Royal style, historically a barometer for broader cultural tastes, is subtly reflecting this evolution. Princess Anne’s choice isn't about showing off; it’s about communicating a depth of understanding and respect, a quiet confidence that transcends the need for outward embellishment. It’s a masterclass in using personal history and meaningful objects to convey a profound message of reverence.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend continues to shape royal appearances and, by extension, influence broader cultural perceptions of luxury and style. Will we see more royals opting for cherished heirlooms and pieces with historical significance over newly acquired, high-value items? The deliberate nature of Princess Anne’s choice suggests a potential shift towards a more introspective and emotionally resonant form of royal expression – a silent language of respect and remembrance that resonates far more powerfully than any extravagant display. The question becomes: can this quiet, considered approach become the new standard for royal style, and what impact will it have on the way we define elegance and sophistication?
Royal women from around the world wore traditional pearl jewelry to honor King Harald of Norway at his funeral on Wednesday, September 9, including Princess Anne, who joined Prince William for the services at Oslo Cathedral.
While the Prince of Wales attended as an official representative of his father, King Charles, the funeral had a more personal significance for the Princess Royal, who has served as a godmother to the new Norwegian monarch, King Haakon, since his 1973 christening. For the funeral, Princess Anne wore a classic pair of pearl drop earrings, a choice that Eddie Le Vian, CEO of Le Vian jewelers, told Marie Claire dates back to Anne’s great-great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria.
“Pearls have spoken the language of royal mourning for generations,” Le Vian says. “Since Queen Victoria mourned Prince Albert, pearls have come to evoke tears, remembrance and dignity. Unlike other royal guests, Anne appeared to skip a pearl necklace in favor of a silk scarf, and instead wore a diamond-studded gold brooch with decades of significance.
Jewelry expert Nilesh Rakholia, Founder of Abelini, tells Marie Claire that the Princess Royal’s gold ribbon brooch was “a very deliberate” decision for the occasion. “The princess has dozens of options in her collection, so reaching for a brooch she has worn consistently for over fifty years tells you this wasn't a casual choice,” Rakholia says.
The brooch itself dates back to the mid-20th century and takes the form of a loosely knotted bow, set with around a dozen diamonds. An 18-year-old Princess Anne first wore the piece in 1969 at a Buckingham Palace meeting with Apollo 8 commander Colonel Frank Borman—and the pin has been in regular rotation for close to 60 years.
“To still be reaching for the same piece nearly six decades later says an enormous amount about what it means to her personally, far more than any high-value piece could,” Rakholia says. The Princess Royal has worn the brooch for events such as her 70th birthday portrait and at Ascot, but also for numerous solemn engagements, like Anzac Day services honoring fallen soldiers and an event marking the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
"That's the pattern that stands out to me,” Rakholia shares. “This isn't a brooch she reaches for on lighter occasions. Time and again, it appears at moments of remembrance and loss specifically, whether that's a wreath-laying for fallen soldiers in the spring or, now, the funeral of a head of state she has a personal connection to.”
Nilesh notes that the brooch's diamond setting adds sparkle without being inappropriate at solemn occasions. "Diamonds against a dark coat, which is what she's worn it with here, create a soft contrast rather than anything flashy. It's the kind of piece that reads as respectful rather than decorative, which matters enormously at a funeral."
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