Queen Camilla wears a poignant piece of jewelry during her visit to Kenya

At the start of a five-day visit to Kenya, Queen Camilla displayed a unique shell-shaped brooch, which originally belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. The decision by King Charles III's wife to wear this piece may have deeper implications.

It's widely known that the most high-ranking members of the British royal family often engage in frequent travel. The responsibility of representing the crown internationally primarily falls upon King Charles III and his consort, Camilla. In late September, the late Queen Elizabeth II's son and his wife headed on an official visit to France, where they convened with President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. The royal pair also attended a formal lunch in Versailles, where the king's wife and the French first lady exhibited mutual support.

As November began, King Charles and his wife embarked on another overseas trip, starting with their arrival in Kenya. This five-day visit marks the monarch's first trip to a Commonwealth country following his coronation and aims to highlight the "warm relations" between the United Kingdom and Kenya as per the Daily Mail. The day after their arrival, Charles and Camilla were formally welcomed in the country's capital, Nairobi. That day, the royal couple met with Kenya's President William Ruto and his wife Rachel, toured landmarks such as the Uhuru Gardens and a public library in Nairobi, and attended a formal dinner in the evening.

On the second day of their trip, King Charles conducted official duties dressed in a traditional, striped suit. However, global media interest was piqued by Queen Camilla's fashion ensemble. The 76-year-old consort made her appearance in a classic, long-sleeved white dress by Anna Valentine. Yet what drew attention was a certain memorable adornment featuring prominently on her outfit.

Adorning Camilla's outfit was a large, shell-shaped brooch. Made of diamonds and pearls, this piece of jewelry - once the possession of Queen Elizabeth II - is familiar to followers of the British monarchy.

In her lifetime, the late monarch frequently appeared publically wearing this brooch. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II wore this precious accessory during a 2019 tournament in Ascott. The distinctive shell-shaped brooch was designed in 1919 by Courtauld Thomson and had initially belonged to Elizabeth II's mother before she owned it. Maxwell Stone, the director of a jewelry firm, disclosed in an interview with Page Six that the "Queen Mother" received the piece from the designer's sister and wore it regularly, including at her own centennial celebration in 2000. Upon her death, the piece was passed on to Elizabeth II.

By wearing the late Queen's brooch during her Kenya visit, Queen Camilla seems to want to honor her departed mother-in-law. As suggested by Page Six, the choice to wear this specific piece may carry additional significance. It was during a 1952 visit to Kenya with Prince Philip that Elizabeth II, then still a princess, received news of her father's demise. The information abruptly forced her to confront not only her personal loss but also the impending reality of her succession to the throne.

The shell-shaped brooch undeniably holds substantial sentimental and material value. The previously mentioned jewelry expert explained in an interview with Page Six that the accessory was "one of the late monarch's most valuable brooches". The estimated value of the item is around £30,000, equating to approximately $39,882.

See how Camilla wore Queen Elizabeth II's brooch.