September is the month of the glorious sapphire, and the Queen of Denmark recently chose an excellent example of the gem for Flag Day commemorations in Copenhagen.
King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark led the nation during commemorations on Flag Day, which has been celebrated each September 5 since 2009. The event, per the Danish Ministry of Defense, is designed “to recognize and honor the people who are or have been deployed to a mission abroad, whether based on a parliamentary, governmental, or a ministerial decision.”
The day commemorates the sacrifices of the fallen, veterans, and those currently serving, in recognition of “their efforts help to ensure that Danes can live in safety and security.”
The day’s events include the laying of a wreath at Kastellet, Copenhagen’s citadel, as well as a military parade and a memorial service at Holmens Kirke. Frederik and Mary were present for all aspects of the event this year.
The King dressed in full uniform for the commemorations. Queen Mary selected a favorite navy blue wrap dress, which we’ve seen her wear often for important events in recent years. For the Flag Day ceremonies, she accessorized with a braided straw headband.
Mary kept her jewels simple but significant, wearing a pair of classic diamond studs and an heirloom brooch that has more than a century of history with the Danish royals.
The antique sapphire and diamond cluster dates to the nineteenth century. It’s often called the “Flood Brooch,” because Princess Vilhelmine Marie of Denmark donated the brooch in 1872 to a fund that raised money for victims of a flood on the islands of Lolland and Falster. Later, the jewel was reacquired by Queen Louise, the wife of King Christian IX. Today, it’s part of the Danish Royal Property Trust.
Mary has worn the brooch on several occasions this year. She pinned it to a dark blue tweed dress for the welcome ceremonies during the state visit to Estonia in January.
And in April, she wore it with a navy blue jacket and trousers for the confirmation of her twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, at Fredensborg Palace.
Here’s one more look at Mary wearing the brooch on Flag Day earlier this month. She finished off the jewelry look with another subtle piece: a ring with a small trio of diamond clusters, worn on her right hand.
More bejeweled splendor is coming your way later this morning, when the free Wednesday edition of Hidden Gems drops in subscribers’ inboxes. There’s lots to enjoy, including—spoiler alert!—all the details on the remarkable necklace above. See you there!
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