The Ladies of the North Wales Brooch Traditionally Worn by The Princess of Wales

Catherine debuted a historic royal heirloom that's closely associated with her new title during the welcome ceremony for the South African president. The Ladies of North Wales Leek brooch, also known as the Prince of Wales Feather's brooch, is traditionally worn by the Princess of Wales.

This brooch was part of the series of wedding gifts given to Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863, on the occasion of her wedding to the future King Edward VII. After the wedding, she assumed the title of Princess of Wales, thus, the brooch traditionally belonged to whoever become the Princess of Wales.

The historic Ladies of the North Wales Leek brooch

The brooch, pendant, and cabochon emerald earrings were gifts from The Ladies of North Wales, hence the name. The brooch in particular features a Welsh Leek in emeralds surrounded by a frame of diamonds and emeralds, with ‘to our own Princess’ written in Welsh, all with a cabochon emerald pendant. 

Catherine wearing the Ladies of North Wales brooch for the first time

The Prince and Princess of Wales

After Princess Alexandra became Queen Consort, no Princess of Wales has ever worn the brooch and the pendant. Until Diana, the Princess of Wales, in 1981.

Following the royal wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, the Queen Mother (who kept the brooch and the pendants in her possession after the death of Queen Mary in 1953), gave the jewelry to Diana as the new Princess of Wales.

Diana, the Princess of Wales restyling the brooch to a pendant

The Princess of Wales frequently wore the piece, but not as a brooch, instead, she re-styled it as a pendant. It was given back to Prince Charles when their divorce was finalized in 1996.

When Prince Charles married Camilla Parker-Bowles in 2005, the brooch was once again loaned to the new wife of the Prince of Wales. Although Camilla was carrying the title of the Duchess of Cornwall, she was legally the Princess of Wales.

Camilla as the Duchess of Cornwall wearing the brooch 

Camilla wore the piece several times in public appearances. Following the accession to the throne of King Charles III, the brooch is now permanently loaned to the new Princess of Wales, Catherine. 

Catherine became the fourth Princess of Wales to wear this historic royal heirloom. Now, she is the new owner of this magnificent heirloom, and hope to see her wear this brooch in the upcoming public appearances.