Posted by Arthur on October 7, 2014, 4:04 am, in reply to "The Cockade brooch"
I agree. The Queen's Diamonds is thrilling about the jewels presented in the book... and very frustrating about what is not in it! Now we want volume 2!
I was also very surprised of the absence of the Cockade Brooch in The Queen's Diamonds. Such an iconic jewel (possibly designated as Crown heirloom by Queen Victoria, and worn by Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen[-Mother] Elizabeth at their respective coronations in 1902, 1911 and 1936) would have been perfectly at its place in Roberts' book.
It was also a big surprise to see the central part of the cockade resurface in 2008, for French President Sarkozy's State Visit to Britain, after 71 years (!) in the vaults... The Queen has also worn it in 2013 for the State visit of Korean President Park Geun-hye.
I do regret, though, that she has worn only the central part of the cockade. The two large side elements have not been seen since Queen Mary. It would be fine if Queen Elizabeth II could wear the full cockade at least once (may be for a State Opening of Parliament, or for an official portrait in full regalia).