The ties that bind.
Camilla Parker Bowles is making a statement with her first outfit as Queen Consort following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.
Bowles walked through the doors of Buckingham Palace for the first time with husband King Charles III wearing all black to mark the mourning period, but added a symbolic accessory.
Bowles wore a diamond-covered brooch in the shape of a knot, a style she’s been spotted in several times before — including for Commonwealth Day in 2020 and during Christmas Day church service in 2019.
While there could be many meanings behind the style, it’s thought to represent unity and love.
When Camilla last wore the piece in 2020, some speculated she was sending a message to Prince Harry and Prince William amid their feud to honor their familial ties, but in the wake of Queen Elizabeth’s death, the Queen Consort is likely calling for unity among her fellow Brits as well.
While the symbolic piece is Camilla’s own, she has often borrowed brooches from Queen Elizabeth in the past; the late monarch was a fan of using her jewelry to send messages and celebrate certain milestones.
Elizabeth died at age 96 Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the royal couple paid their final respects before returning to London today. Charles, who automatically became king of the UK and the Commonwealth upon his mother’s death, issued a somber statement.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” read a statement posted to the royal family’s social media accounts.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
It’s unclear when exactly Charles, 73, will officially be coronated as King Charles III — but you can bet Camilla will honor her late mother-in-law with her accessories at the ceremony.
