The Queen’s symbolic brooch to husband’s funeral

A difficult farewell. On Saturday, April 17, the royal family wore black for Prince Philip's burial, but Queen Elizabeth attached several very rare — and important — crown jewels to her look.

To say farewell to the love of her life, Queen Elizabeth wore a diamond brooch with ties to many royal weddings.

The gleaming item originated from her grandmother Queen Mary's set, and the Queen wore it for formal engagements with her husband during her early reign. She has previously worn it at military appreciation functions as well.

The piece has a pearl drop detail that can be interchanged. For Saturday's burial, the Queen opted not to carry the former.

The brooch was sent to Queen Elizabeth as a surprise on her wedding day, so it was a really unique gift from mum. It was a perfect piece of jewelry to wear as she laid her late husband to rest.

The Richmond Brooch was first sent as a wedding present to Queen Elizabeth's grandmother, Queen Mary, in 1893. Though Queen Mary wore it as a necklace often, the current monarch has worn it as a brooch on many occasions, including at grandson Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle in 2018.

Her Majesty, who is known to deliver unique messages in her clothes, no doubt chose to wear anything that reminded her of the Duke of Edinburgh and their long and happy union.

The Queen has worn the brooch on many celebratory and ceremonial events, including the 2014 and 2018 Royal British Legion Celebrations of Remembrance to commemorate those who have died in battle.

Her three-strand pearl necklace and earrings, a traditional item commonly known as part of her royal ‘uniform,' were also applied to her ensemble.

After 73 years of marriage, the newly widowed Queen “took great comfort” in the fact that the Iron Duke was willing to have “every conversation that needed to be had” in his final days at Windsor Castle, according to sources linked to the royal family who talked to Vanity Fair.

“It has been a long and sad week, but the Queen has taken great comfort that she and Philip had his final days at Windsor and that in the last year they had so much time together,” a source added.

“Every conversation that needed to be had was had, Philip also got to spend some time with Prince Charles which was very important to them both. Philip was ready, he had had enough, it was time. This is the funeral he wanted,” they added.