Jewellery, Objects of Vertu, Silver and Watches

Royal Interest: A signed portrait photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the black and white official portrait, by Anthony Buckley, signed to the mount ‘Elizabeth R’ and ‘Philip’ and dated ‘1971’, the reverse of the mount stamped ‘Anthony Buckley Photograph’ and numbered in pencil ‘5170-6’, contained in dark green leather easel back frame, by H.H. Plante, dimensions 33 x 25.5cm. £500-£600

Presented to Group Captain B.A. Primavesi CVO, and thence by descent.



Group Captain B.A. Primavesi CVO was Deputy Captain of the Queen's Flight from 1968 to 1971. During his tenure he was presented with signed photographs by various members of the Royal Family. From 1973 - 1976 he acted as Air Attaché for Tehran and Kabul, in the course of which he entertained the Duke and Duchess of Kent, who presented him with a pair of gold cufflinks.

This official portrait was photographed by Anthony Buckley in 1969. (See National Portrait Gallery primary collection, P1514).

The Queen wears an aquamarine and diamond necklace, earring and bracelet suite given to her by the President and people of Brazil, the necklace and earrings given in 1953 to celebrate her coronation, followed by a matching bracelet in 1958. She also wears the ‘Girls of Great Britain and Ireland’ tiara. This was given to Princess May of Teck, the future Queen Mary, as a wedding gift in 1893. Lady Eve Greville arranged the collection and commissioning of the tiara from Royal jewellers Garrard. In 1920 Queen Mary had the pearl uprights removed and replaced with collet set diamonds. In 1947 she gave it as a wedding gift to Princess Elizabeth. Queen Elizabeth II reputedly referred to it as ‘Granny’s tiara’.

The Queen also wears the blue sash, with the badge and star of the Order of the Garter, together with the family orders of Kings George V and George VI.