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King Charles III and Queen Camilla Express Gratitude in Post-Coronation Message
Meghan Markle was left in awe as Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, looked stunning in a festoon necklace, designated heirlooms for the future Queen.
As the coronation-long weekend draws to a close, King Charles III and Queen Camilla shared their heartfelt thanks in a new message from the monarch, released by Buckingham Palace on Monday.
Alongside the King's expression of gratitude, the Palace unveiled four new official photographs capturing the King, Queen, and members of the royal family after Saturday's historic coronation service.
One of the photographs showcases the King and Queen surrounded by working royals, individuals who carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch.
In this group shot, Charles and Camilla take center stage, standing beside the King.
Princess Anne, Charles' sister, and her husband Timothy Lawrence also feature prominently.
Meanwhile, William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, stand beside the Queen.
Other notable figures in the portrait include the Duke of Kent, the Duchess and the Duke of Gloucester, Sophie the Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
However, Harry is noticeably absent from the picture as he returned to California immediately after the coronation.
Thanks to the newly released photos, we finally have a glimpse of Kate's dress and the magnificent festooned diamond necklace adorning her neck.
It is important to note that these diamonds are designated heirlooms of the Crown, exclusively reserved for Queens and future Queens.
Meghan may feel a pang of envy whenever Kate is bestowed with the privilege of borrowing new jewelry from the royal family collection.
After all, Meghan's access is limited to Diana's Cartier watch, aquamarine ring, and butterfly earrings.
Among the sparkling necklaces worn by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, the diamond festoon necklace stands out as the epitome of classic elegance.
In 1950, King George VI commissioned this exquisite piece for his eldest daughter and heir, Princess Elizabeth.
Known for his penchant for gifting jewelry to the women in his life, the King's gesture was not surprising.
The Queen Mother's extensive Cartier collection is a testament to this fact, and Elizabeth, who had recently given birth to an heir and a spare, reaped the benefits.
While the King often acquired pieces directly from renowned firms like Cartier and Asprey, he turned to the family's jewelry vaults for the gemstones used in the necklace.
Instructing Garrard, the Crown jeweler at the time, to utilize 105 loose collet-set diamonds from the vaults, King George VI oversaw the creation of this remarkable piece.
Described by experts as a true masterpiece, the necklace immediately became a favorite of Princess Elizabeth, who continued to wear it throughout her long reign.