Jewelry can hold different things for different people. From symbolizing eternal love to being an indispensable style accessory, it has adopted various connotations over time. For members of royal families, jewelry also becomes a public statement that conveys a message to the public.
In recent times, illness has affected many members of royal families. King Charles’s cancer treatment is still ongoing, more than a year since his first diagnosis in 2024. Some people suspect that Queen Elizabeth II was suffering from bone cancer, which eventually led to her death.
Amid these distressing events, it is heartening to see people find hope and strength, however they can, to live their best lives. From a cherished brooch with sentimental value to earrings that symbolize courage, here are three inspiring ways royals have used jewelry for recovery.
Queen Camilla’s Amethyst Necklace: Recovery and Familial Ties
At a recent public event in Qatar, Queen Camilla wore a three-strand pearl necklace with a glorious amethyst as the focal point. Some interpreted it—quite sensibly—as a nod to the Middle East’s pearl diving industry. However, the amethyst represents something more personal to the queen—her battle with pneumonia.
The queen has been struggling with this respiratory illness for a while. However, she has been valiantly trying to keep up her duties. The amethyst has long been synonymous with strength and resilience. Some people believe that it transfers its healing properties to the wearer. Whether one trusts the power of gemstones or not, faith can be a powerful agent in recovery.
In fact, jewelry has long been associated with mental health benefits. VeryWell Mind notes that although a scientific basis for such claims is missing, the placebo effect of jewelry could be at play in bringing benefits. Remaining optimistic about recovery is the key here.
The necklace has another meaningful element that could potentially help the queen find reasons to remain healthy. Vanity Fair notes that the necklace has engravings of her grandchildren’s initials.
Kate Middleton’s Fern Earrings: Hope During Cancer Treatment
The Princess of Wales has displayed immense strength and composure during her struggles with cancer. We won’t use trite words like “journey,” for cancer is heartless and brutal. Even so, Kate has been courageous through various medical procedures like abdominal surgery and preventative chemotherapy.
Kate has used jewelry as a means to communicate her health updates with the public. Most likely, these choices have also brought her strength from within, becoming a symbol of her determination to make a full recovery.
Of particular note are her beautiful gold fern earrings. Traditionally, ferns symbolize endurance and beginnings. In late 2024, she wore her fern earrings while visiting a mass stabbing site in Southport. Kate and William tried to understand what led to the event, the response to the tragedy, and its mental health impact on the survivors. The accessory choice was like an Easter egg, subtly depicting the end of her arduous treatment and resumption of royal duties.
Cancer treatment has various complications, from chemo-induced nausea to the risk of infection from defective catheters, as evidenced by the Bard Power Port lawsuit. Catheters like the latter are often used for long-term IV (intravenous) procedures like chemotherapy.
According to TorHoerman Law, complications like these can cause emotional distress to those already suffering and also affect their enjoyment of life.
Jewelry choices may get relegated to the back burner when the cruel C-word devastates loved ones. However, many around the world attach symbolic meaning to certain pieces, from eternal love and support to unflinching courage.
Queen Margrethe’s Daisy Diamond Brooch: Holding On to Fond Memories
Queen Margrethe of Denmark bears a special connection to daisy, the vibrant white and yellow flower. Some believe that she was christened after her grandmother, Margareta. The name comes from marguerite, the Danish word for daisy. She is often seen wearing her special daisy diamond brooch—a symbol of her connection with her family.
Queen Margrethe has been going through health issues lately and was also hospitalized as a preventative measure. Due to the illness, she had to cancel a royal appointment. The 85-year-old queen has always had her family on her side. Many of them, including Queen Mary and King Frederik, got together in April 2025 to mark her birthday. The Tatler noted that she wore the daisy brooch for her birthday portrait.
Interestingly, the brooch has a cherished history. Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden gifted it to his daughter, Princess Ingrid, for her wedding. Margrethe is Ingrid’s daughter. Her mother wore the brooch at her christening and also at the christening of King Frederik. Queen Margrethe wore it on her wedding day. No wonder these fond memories bring her joy and cheer during life’s transitory moments.
When it comes to health and recuperation, our approaches are highly personal. Some may strongly believe in the power of positive energy and the support of close family. Jewelry can be a totem, a symbol of staying put and finding strength in everyday things to speed up recovery.
