Princess Michael of Greece’s Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch

Happy Birthday to Marina Karella, Princess Michael of Greece, who tuned 85 yesterday! The renowned Greek Artist and Sculptor who was married to the late Prince Michael, since we have already covered her Diamond Floral Tiara and Van Cleef and Arpels Parure, we are featuring the Princess’ striking Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch today!

Greek Diamond Floral Tiara | Van Cleef and Arpels Parure | Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch

The exact origin of the spectacular Fleur-de-Lys Brooch composed of cabochon Ruby Beads set within a diamond frame is unknown, but it could be a nod to the Fleur-de-Lys Emblem of the family of the Prince’s late mother, Princess Françoise of Greece, née of Orléans.

The Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch was notably worn by Princess Michael on her hat at the Christening of Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece in 1967, just a few months before the end of the Greek Monarchy.

Princess Michael also wore the Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch for the Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik of Denmark’s Silver Wedding Anniversary in 1992.

A few years later, the coupler’s younger daughter, Princess Olga, wore the Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch in her hair for Crown Prince Alexander’s 50th Birthday Gala at Claridge’s in 1995, which was also Princess Michael’s 55th Birthday.

In 1998, Princess Olga also wore the Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch for the Wedding of her sister, Princess Alexandra, and Nicolas Mirzayants at the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral on the island of Torcello in Venice.

More recently, the Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch was notably worn by Princess Michael for the Wedding of Prince Philippos of Greece in 2021, and there is no doubt we will continue to see this striking jewel worn for years to come!

Greek Diamond Floral Tiara | Van Cleef and Arpels Parure | Ruby Fleur-de-Lys Brooch