Queen Camilla Sends Message From Royal Family After Prince Andrew Stops Using Duke of York Title
We may know just how members of the royal family feel following Prince Andrew’s decision to stop using his Duke of York title.
On Oct. 17, Prince Andrew announced: “In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.
“With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”
No official statements came from any senior royals following Andrew’s statement. However, Queen Camilla appeared to send a message after the news of the disgraced prince’s decision went public.
Hours after Prince Andrew’s announcement, King Charles’ wife attended Champions’ Day at Ascot with Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall. It was also the same day, family friend and former socialite Lady Annabel Goldsmith passed away. For the event, the queen wore a powder blue outfit, which she accessorized with a striking brooch.
Now, the jewelry and diamond experts at the U.K. retailer Steven Stone are sharing several details about that brooch, which may be Camilla’s way of sharing a message with the world following a turbulent week for the royals.
Maxwell Stone told Showbiz Cheat Sheet: “There’s been much speculation surrounding Queen Camilla’s latest brooch, as its origin remains a mystery. While it’s not a piece she wears often, she has been seen wearing it on several notable occasions: during the trophy presentation at Ascot Racecourse in July 2022, when welcoming the President of South Africa to Buckingham Palace in November of the same year, to Westminster Abbey last October and most recently, to attend this year’s Easter service at St George’s Chapel.
“The dazzling brooch features diamonds surrounding a central blue cabochon gemstone, believed to be moonstone. This gem has long been cherished by royalty and jewellery enthusiasts alike. It’s prized for its symbolic meanings of feminine energy, new beginnings, calmness, intuition, and safe travel.”
The fine jewelry expert added, “Intriguingly, moonstone is also said to possess the power to heal emotional rifts and reunite loved ones divided by conflict — a sentiment that feels particularly poignant given the royal family’s recent challenges. Over the weekend, the monarchy faced both personal sorrow and institutional strain, as Prince Andrew formally revoked his title and Lady Annabel Goldsmith, a dear friend of the family, sadly passed away.
“Against this backdrop, Queen Camilla’s choice of the moonstone brooch — a gem associated with reconciliation and renewal — seemed quietly symbolic, perhaps even hopeful, amid the ongoing distance between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the rest of the family. The more transparent and bluer a moonstone is, the more valuable it becomes. Based on its design and the apparent quality of the gemstone, I’d estimate Queen Camilla’s brooch to be worth approximately $40,000.”
