King George VI (in the Imperial State Crown) and Queen Elizabeth (wearing Queen Victoria’s Oriental Circlet Tiara) presided over the State Opening of Parliament in the Chamber of the House of Lords on this day in 1948, held for the first time with full Ceremonial after the Second World War, with the last full State Opening of Parliament held in 1938.
Various members of the British Nobility were in attendance, with the ones photographed including society hostess Edith, Marchioness of Londonderry (wearing the Londonderry Tiara) and Nancy, Viscountess Astor (wearing the Astor Sancy Tiara).
I always wondered why the portraits – it must have been seen as a major step back towards normal. I really dislike the Queen’s lampshade skirt though – I expect the dogs to come out from hiding underneath that weird flounce!
Never mind the tiaras, look at the diamond stomachers on those ladies!!