For the occasion, the Princess Royal wore a forest green coat, which was adorned with the 50-year-old accessory. The diamond-incrusted brooch, which is one of the oldest pieces of jewellery in her collection, is shaped like a knotted ribbon. The Princess has cherished the accessory for nearly five decades, first spotted wearing it in 1969.
She has chosen to wear it for a number of historic moments, including the moment that the royal family welcomed Apollo 8 mission commander, Colonel Frank Borman, to Buckingham Palace, in 1969.
During a visit to Washington D.C. in 2014, she paid homage to her meeting with the American astronaut by wearing the brooch publicly for the second time at an exhibition for Magna Carta. The Princess was also spotted in the golden heirloom a year later at the Anzac Day service and at Royal Ascot.
American astronaut Colonel Frank Borman, Commander of the Apollo 8 mission, visits the Queen, Prince Philip, Princess Anne and Prince Edward at Buckingham Palace, with his wife Susan, 1969. Princess Anne wore the brooch to this early engagement
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Although the origin of the brooch is not known, it clearly holds a lot of significance for Princess Anne who has worn it for several milestone moments in her life. More recently, this has included her 70th birthday portrait shot in 2020. Considering her penchant for sustainable fashion and re-wearing items from her wardrobe, it’s no surprise the piece is such a closet staple.
Later today the Princess of Wales will pay tribute on Anzac Day in a separate ceremony.
The Princess of Wales will attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Cenotaph, where she will lay a wreath on behalf of her father-in-law King Charles III, before leading the congregation at the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey.
The brooch has seen more frequent appearances in recent years, including to a St James’s Palace reception with her brother King Charles in 2025
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