Camilla Parker Bowles is taking something from the royal jewelry box. As everyone knows, she loves jewelry. But this week, even the most knowledgeable royal jewelry experts were shocked when Queen Camilla wore a ‘Stomacher’ in a new royal portraitto a Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Camilla Wore A ‘Stomacher’ In A New Royal Portrait
Camilla Parker Bowles, the Duchess of Cornwall, has once again captured the spotlight, revealing her exquisite taste in jewelry during a recent Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace. Known for her passion for adornments, Queen Camilla surprised and delighted royal enthusiasts and experts alike by donning a captivating diamond"stomacher" in a new royal portrait.
For those unacquainted with the term, a stomacher is not your everyday accessory; it's a sizable piece of jewelry affixed to the bodice of a dress, reminiscent of a corsage or brooch. What sets it apart is its strategic placement—worn prominently at the widest part of the chest and the upper stomach, exuding an air of historical elegance. Often referred to as a devant de corsage, the stomacher has made a regal comeback through Queen Camilla's distinctive fashion choice.
In a departure from contemporary trends, Queen Camilla paid homage to a bygone era when stomachers were a reigning fashion statement among royal women. According to The Telegraph's fashion director, Bethan Holt, these elaborate pieces offered “opportunities for maximum adornment and status-signaling”in the rich tapestry of royal history.
Adding a touch of poignant nostalgia to the occasion, Queen Camilla selected a diamond stomacher from the late Queen Mother's collection, emphasizing the event's historical significance. Paired with the iconic Girls of Great Britain & Ireland tiara - an 1893 wedding gift to Queen Mary and a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II - Camilla pulled out all the stops for an evening of glamour at Buckingham Palace.
The choice of the stomacher prompts intriguing questions - was Queen Camilla signaling her elevated status, or was it a reflection of her profound appreciation for jewelry as an art form? Shedding light on the Duchess's passion, Camilla's former daughter-in-law, Sara Parker Bowles, revealed on the U.K. talk show Lorraine that the Duchess is not only a lover of jewelry but also remarkably knowledgeable about it.
For those inspired by Queen Camilla's royal fashion choice, similar options are available for enthusiasts eager to invest in their stomacher. Etsy features selections such as the Crystal Stomacher Brooch ($25) and the Large Rhinestone Georgian Stomacher Brooch ($45), enabling admirers to incorporate a touch of royal elegance into their collections.
In a more personal update, King Charles and Queen Camilla recently unveiled their annual Christmas card on the royal family's dedicated Instagram page. Last year's holiday photograph was taken just days before Charles ascended to the throne, whereas this year's Christmas card picture captures the royal couple after King Charles was officially crowned.
Queen Camilla Parker Bowles continues to captivate the world with her distinctive style, not only introducing a new term to the royal fashion lexicon but also emphasizing her profound appreciation for the grandeur of historical jewelry.
Final Words
Queen Camilla Parker Bowles has once again showcased her impeccable taste in historical jewelry by adorning a diamond "stomacher" at a Buckingham Palace Diplomatic Reception. The choice of this regal accessory, steeped in royal history and worn alongside the Girls of Great Britain & Ireland tiara, reflects both her appreciation for the artistry of jewelry and a nod to a bygone era.
As Queen Camilla continues to captivate the world with her distinctive style, her introduction of the "stomacher" to the royal fashion lexicon adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the ever-evolving tapestry of royal fashion.