Today marks the Anniversary of the Death of Princess Lilian of Sweden, who died on this day in 2013! The Welsh Actress who waited 30 years to marry her Swedish Prince and became a beloved member of the Swedish Royal Family, Princess Lilian possessed a spectacular collection of heirloom jewels, which included her Pearl and Diamond Bow Brooch!
Laurel Wreath Tiara | Pearl Brooch | Diamond Stomacher Necklace | Bernadotte Emerald Parure | Egyptian Necklace | Processional Necklace
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Featuring a diamond ribbon bow design, with a central pearl and two pearl drops, the Pearl and Diamond Bow Brooch has no established provenance, but probably came from Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden or was a gift from Prince Bertil.
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Unlike other jewels, including her Laurel Wreath Tiara, Princess Lilian didn’t wear this Pearl and Diamond Bow Brooch in the years before her wedding, but was first notably photographed in the piece on her wedding day in 1976, which came after a relationship of 34 years. The Brooch was also frequently at the plethora of Gala events which Princess Lilian attended as a senior member of the Swedish Royal Family.
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Princess Lilian continued to wear her Pearl and Diamond Bow Brooch for Gala events, especially the Annual Nobel Prize Ceremony, even after Prince Bertil’s death, when she continued to be a beloved member of the Swedish Royal Family. It was last notably worn at King Carl Gustaf’s 60th Birthday Banquet in 2006, around which time Princess Lilian decided she was too old to attend events and largely retired.
After Princess Lilian’s death in 2013, her Pearl and Diamond Bow Brooch was listed in her will as being worth 80 000 SEK and was inherited by Queen Silvia, who first wore it for a Banquet in 2015. It has yet to be worn again, but since Queen Silvia wears a variety of pearl and diamond pieces, there is no doubt it will eventually make a reappearance.
Laurel Wreath Tiara | Pearl Brooch | Diamond Stomacher Necklace | Bernadotte Emerald Parure | Egyptian Necklace | Processional Necklace
Princess Lilian was such a beautiful lady. Her grand-nieces and nephew loved her, which is a good indication of her lovely character. I can’t believe it’s been six years since her death! Her jewels were lovely, and she fittingly left them to her adopted family. This brooch is absolutely divine!