The Queen's address to the nation- and that magnificent sapphire brooch

It is now over 40 years since I met the Queen at Camborne School of Mines, and there was much interest then in the beautiful sapphire brooch that she wore. 

Meeting the Queen at CSM in 1980

Yesterday there was intense media interest in the same brooch, which she wore for her annual Christmas Day message. The framed photograph in view during the broadcast was taken during the diamond anniversary of her and Prince Philip, who died this year after 73 years of marriage. She also wore the same brooch, in the form of a chrysanthemum, on their honeymoon in 1947.

Her Majesty's Christmas Day message
Photo: BBC

I remember the CSM geologists in 1980 speculating on the value of the brooch, the sapphire being surrounded by 12 large diamonds, and today the brooch is estimated to be worth around £8-9 million, thanks also to its historic provenance. It dates back to the 1800s, Prince Albert giving the brooch to Queen Victoria on their wedding day in 1840. 

During her address the Queen highlighted the importance of "passing the baton" to the next generation, something relevant and ongoing at MEI since we adapted this year to online conferences. There are more baton passes scheduled for 2022 when we hope to progress to hybrid events. Let's hope that the world is a better place by then.