Although it had been announced that she would not take part to the Belgian State visit, due to her poor health condition (and possibly other reasons...), Crown Princess Mette-Marit made an unexpected appearance for the welcoming ceremony of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, on 24th March, at Oslo Royal Palace.

She wore on that occasion a diamond brooch with a pearl drop which had frequently been worn by Princess Ragnhild during her lifetime, and which seems to have returned to the main line after Princess Ragnhild's passing.

I had never seen a good picture of this brooch, but it looks lovely - with a typical style of mid/late-19th century jewellery.

Is the origin of this brooch known?





Here the brooch worn by Princess Ragnhild in the 1980s (Queen Beatrix's State visit to Norway) and in 1991 (Crown Prince Haakon's 18th birthday gala):