Queen Camilla Wears New Honor From King Charles for the First Time
When Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, female members of the royal family could often be seen at formal events wearing her family order pinned to their outfits. And today, King Charles’s family order was debuted, worn by his wife Queen Camilla at tonight’s State Banquet.
“The tradition of commissioning a Family Order, a badge worn by female members of the royal family personally bestowed by the Sovereign, was established by King George IV over two hundred years ago,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement this evening. “Family Orders have since been instituted by Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, King George V, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II.”
The presentation of the order from the sovereign is considered to be a personal mark of recognition to the recipient. Camilla received Queen Elizabeth’s family order in 2007 and Kate received it in 2017.
Family orders feature a portrait of the sovereign surrounded by diamonds and suspended from a silk bow. They are worn pinned to the left shoulder at formal evening occasions.
“For His Majesty the King’s Family Order, created in 2024, the portrait miniaturist Elizabeth Meek, MBE was commissioned to paint the King’s portrait,” Buckingham Palace said. The miniature is based on a 2023 photograph taken by Hugo Burnand showing the King wearing the uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet.
Queen Elizabeth II’s family order was mounted on a yellow bow. However, King Charles personally chose a pale blue silk bow for his, based on King George V’s order. The ribbon was made by milliner Philip Treacy.
Queen Camilla wore hers this evening on a cream silk crepe embroidered dress by designer Fiona Clare. She also wore the order that she was given by Queen Elizabeth in 2007.
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