Kate Middleton added new jewelry to her collection, receiving a custom brooch as a souvenir following the official launch of the HMS Glasgow in Scotland. The Prince and Princess of Wales took an official trip to Scotland last week to grace the ceremonial launch of the iconic royal warship in Scotscourn. Kate played a symbolic role at the event, doing the honors of officially naming the 8000-tonne warship HMS Glasgow. She sealed the ship’s name by smashing a bottle of Clydside Distillery whisky over the hull of the ship, replacing the customary champagne historically used for this ritual.
After fulfilling the ceremonial naming rights, Kate Middleton and her husband interacted with well-wishers, took a tour of the vessel, and met with Royal Navy officials before eventually retiring for the day. For the occasion, the mom of three rocked a navy blue dress with white details. The regal-like brooch pinned to her dress easily stood out as the focal point of the Princess’s stunning get-up. This piece was remarkably more than just another adorning accessory in her collection.
Jeweler Reveals the Symbolic Meaning Behind Kate Middleton’s Brooch
The intricate silver brooch was a custom-made piece specifically designed as a gift for Kate Middleton upon her arrival in Scotland to officiate the naming of the HMS Glasgow. The team at James Porter & Son designed the timeless piece in recognition of Kate’s role as the warship’s patron. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Simon Porter, the Scottish company’s managing director, explained the creative process involved in designing the princess’ brooch.
According to him, the inspiration behind the custom piece was the crest of the HMS Glasgow. The design team prioritized capturing “the ship’s strength, Glasgow’s rich heritage, and the beauty of Scotland’s natural landscape.” Porter said that watching the princess brandish the brooch on the lapel of her dashing navy blue dress was a proud moment for the design team.
Notably, the team of jewellers designed the bespoke brooch specifically with Kate Middleton in mind ahead of her visit to Scotland. The princess made no contributions to the overall design. However, the designers made an effort to add a stunning, personal detail to the brooch that was unique to the princess. The company disclosed that they particularly leaned towards the Princess’s love for nature. Kate Middleton’s brooch sported a prominent thistle, symbolizing Scotland’s natural landscape. The brooch bore a medallion at the center, housing the icon of St. Kentigern, the Patron Saint of Glasgow.
Kate Middleton received the bespoke brooch as a gift from the Worshipful Companies of Taylors and Fan Makers after her arrival in Scotland for the official naming of the HMS Glasgow. Kate’s connection to the royal warship went beyond the honorary role of officially declaring the vessel’s name. For years, the Princess has followed up on the progress of the warship with great interest, impressed by its 8000-tonne build and its many escapades. Hence, snagging the honor of naming it after years of admiration meant a lot to Kate, an experience made even better by having an invaluable keepsake from the historic moment.
