When Queen Camilla made her arrival at the Italian parliament on Wednesday, the day marking her 20th wedding anniversary, she turned heads with more than just her stunning appearance.
Along with a warm reception for her elegant choice of outfit, Camilla’s appearance became a talking point for her impeccable figure and thoughtful gesture to King Charles.
On this special occasion, the Queen donned the same Anna Valentine coat she had worn on her wedding day two decades ago, demonstrating both her personal style and commitment to sustainability.
A Couple That Shares a Sense of Tradition
King Charles and Queen Camilla have something in common beyond their love for each other—they share a deep commitment to sustainability and making the most out of what they have.
Charles, for instance, has been seen wearing the same two coats for over 30 years, including a camel overcoat and a brown tweed Anderson & Sheppard coat.
This was a tradition shared by the late Queen Elizabeth, who was known for recycling her wardrobe and even passing her clothes to Princess Margaret.
It seems this family penchant for sustainability is very much alive with Camilla, who has been spotted rewearing key pieces from her wardrobe, proving that fashion isn’t about quantity, but the love and care you put into what you own.
Camilla’s Favorite Dress: A Nod to the Past
Among the standout items in Camilla’s wardrobe is a stunning dress designed by Antonia Robinson and Anna Valentine’s label, Robinson Valentine.
The dress, adorned with intricate woven discs, first appeared in 2005, and has since been re-worn on several occasions.
One of her notable reinventions of this dress came in 2007 when she wore it to the opening of the National Assembly for Wales.
At that time, she had the dress altered to create a fresh look, adding visible seams and embroidery by Beth Somerville.
Camilla’s thoughtful approach to recycling not just her clothes but her entire look shows a deeper connection to both tradition and modern style.
A Queen’s Jewelry: Sentimental and Timeless
Camilla’s jewelry collection is another beautiful example of her personal style and commitment to keeping sentimental items close.
One of her most cherished pieces is an antique suite of diamond and turquoise jewelry that she inherited from her father, Major Bruce Shand.
This 19th-century necklace and earrings, which were acquired separately, have accompanied Camilla on numerous important occasions, including Charles’s 50th birthday celebrations and state banquets.
Not only is this collection an heirloom, but it’s a testament to Camilla’s appreciation for meaningful, timeless pieces, rather than ever-changing trends.
The Story Behind Her Iconic Stick Insect Brooch
One of Camilla’s most iconic pieces of jewelry is a platinum and diamond stick insect brooch, which she received from her father, Bruce Shand, as an engagement gift in 2005.
This unique piece was designed by jeweler Geoffrey Munn, and its backstory adds to its charm.
Inspired by a pet stick insect named “Sticky” that her sons Alexander and Edward kept, Munn created the brooch after the insect itself.
The brooch, which has become a favorite of Camilla’s, was presented to her in an Easter egg, creating a romantic and memorable moment.
Over the years, she has worn this brooch on several important occasions, proving that even the smallest details in her wardrobe carry great sentimental value.
Camilla’s Love for Faux Fur
Over the years, Camilla has faced criticism for her previous choices in real fur, particularly after wearing a real-fur hat to the Royal Family’s Christmas Day service in 2010.
In response to the backlash, she switched to faux fur, opting for bespoke, faux fur-trimmed hats from Lock & Co.
She has made these hats a staple in her winter wardrobe, wearing them to high-profile events such as the Cheltenham Festival in 2014 and Royal Ascot in 2021.
Camilla’s subtle evolution in fashion shows her ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to her personal style.
A Recycled Polka-Dot Dress
Another example of Camilla’s commitment to reusing and recycling her wardrobe is her beloved Anna Valentine polka dot dress.
First worn during a trip to Venice in 2009, the dress has made several reappearances in her wardrobe over the years.
From a visit to Wales in 2019 to more recent public appearances, Camilla’s polka-dot dress has remained a timeless choice.
This dedication to rewearing items from her collection highlights her practical approach to fashion, proving that style is less about constant reinvention and more about embracing the pieces that hold meaning.
Country Life and Practical Fashion
As a country woman at heart, Camilla enjoys attending races and outdoor events.
One of her go-to pieces for such occasions is a flared tweed coat designed by couturier Roy Allen.
She first wore this stylish coat to the Cheltenham Festival in 2014, and it made its most recent appearance at Royal Ascot in 2021.
This coat has become a signature item in Camilla’s wardrobe, showcasing her love for country life and the practicality of rewearing pieces that suit her lifestyle.
Camilla’s Shoe Collection: Practical and Stylish
When it comes to footwear, Camilla is equally practical and stylish, as evidenced by her collection of Sole Bliss shoes.
Known for their comfort, Camilla owns 13 pairs of these shoes, which she has been wearing since 2018.
Despite having several pairs, she hasn’t needed replacements, instead getting them re-heeled and resoled.
These shoes have become such a favorite that Camilla has recommended them to her friends, including Dame Judi Dench and Mary Berry, both of whom have praised the comfort and value of the shoes.
The Queen’s Handbag: A Symbol of Elegance
One of Camilla’s more recent additions to her wardrobe is the Lady Dior handbag, a chic and elegant accessory that she debuted in 2023.
This sand-colored bag, which retails for around £5,000, has quickly become a signature piece for the Queen.
Fans of royal fashion immediately noticed the connection between this handbag and the iconic Lady Dior bag, which was famously loved by Princess Diana.
The connection between the two adds another layer of intrigue to Camilla’s wardrobe, as she embraces pieces that not only reflect her personal style but also carry a connection to royal history.
Camilla’s wardrobe choices continue to evolve, but her commitment to sustainability, sentimental pieces, and reusing cherished items remains a core part of her personal style.
From her classic Anna Valentine coat to her beloved brooch and practical footwear, Queen Camilla is proving that fashion doesn’t have to be about constant reinvention—it’s about making thoughtful, meaningful choices.