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This message #1 was written by Boffer pre-2013.
11. The Queen’s New Zealand Silver-Fern Brooch
In 1953, The Queen visited New Zealand as part of the first large-scale tour she undertook of the Commonwealth. It was during this visit that she was presented with this brooch “in the form of a spray of Silver Fern, an important national emblem in New Zealand”.[1]
This brooch was presented to The Queen on behalf of the women of Auckland, at Government House on Christmas Day, 1953.[2]
It was presented by Lady Allum, who had chaired the committee to raise the funds for the gift; Lady Allum was the wife of the then Mayor of Auckland, Sir John Allum.[3]
Roberts describes this brooch as being “set with brilliants and baguettes as a frond of the silver tree fern (Cyathea dealbata)”.[4]
The Queen now wears this brooch occasionally, to engagements with a link to New Zealand.[5]
1. Guitaut, The Royal Tour, p. 68
2. Roberts, The Queen Diamonds, p. 299; RA F&V/VISOV/COMM/1953-4: Official Diary, vol. 1, p. 32
3. Roberts, The Queen Diamonds, p. 299
4. Ibid., p. 299
5. Ibid. p. 298
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QEII-13 The Queen’s New Zealand Silver-Fern Brooch
Queen Elizabeth II - at the opening of the new New Zealand House, London 1963
See the brooch sparkle in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1KitA35rLE
Queen Elizabeth II - 10 Nov 2006 - in audience with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark
Queen Elizabeth II - 25 Nov 2008 - at the unveiling of a New Zealand tourism exhibit
Queen Elizabeth II - the brooch shows-up on New Zealand's currency and stamps
Queen Elizabeth II - 10 Apr 2014 - HM wore the brooch for an official portrait unveiled by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge - 04 Apr 2014 - HM loaned the brooch to the Duchess of Cambridge for their 2014 New Zealand tour
Last edited by Bryce (October 30, 2016 1:08 am)
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11. The Queen’s New Zealand Silver-Fern Brooch
The brooch was reported to have cost £600 sterling. [1]
1. Charles Madden, "Queen Delighted by NZ Santa Claus," The Advertiser (Adelaide) 26 Dec 1953, p 2
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