During King Frederik and Queen Mary’s recent state visit to Paris, the couple had the opportunity to showcase both modern and vintage royal jewelry, delighting fashion enthusiasts and historians alike. Their trip included several iconic stops, including the Eiffel Tower, the recently-restored Notre Dame Cathedral, and a river cruise along the Seine. The Queen’s wardrobe and antique jewelry choices, particularly on the third day of their visit, stood out for their historical significance and stylish nods to their French hosts.
The day’s events began with the royal couple visiting the historic Hôtel de Ville, where they met with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. Later, they visited the Cathedral of Notre Dame, a place of deep historical ties for the Danish monarchy. King Frederik’s great-grandmother, Joséphine de Beauharnais, was crowned there alongside Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804. The royal visit to the cathedral carried personal significance for the Danish royals, as their younger daughter, Princess Josephine, shares a name with the French Empress.
For the daytime events, Queen Mary wore a unique linen suit consisting of a jacket and culottes, paired with burgundy and brown accessories. Her jewelry was a combination of elegance and playfulness, featuring a pair of diamond hoop earrings and a vintage brooch that caught the attention of many. According to UFO No More, the brooch, a piece designed by Dior in 1964, is made of gilded metal and is set with turquoises, rhinestones, and red glass “gems.” The piece, a lovely tribute to French craftsmanship, was likely a nod to the host nation, though it added a whimsical flair to her outfit. Notably, the brooch was a costume piece, yet it radiated charm and a vintage appeal that suited Queen Mary’s style for the final day of their Paris visit.
While the brooch was a stunning choice, some had hoped for a more historical tribute, such as the Danish Ruby Parure, which has ties to King Frederik’s ancestors, including Désirée Clary Bernadotte, who wore the rubies at Notre Dame during Napoleon and Joséphine’s coronation.
The night before their visit to Notre Dame, Queen Mary showcased a stunning heirloom piece at a formal dinner at Le Grand Hôtel. She wore a black and gold coat dress with gold filigree earrings and a nineteenth-century bracelet made of gold and diamonds. The bracelet, belonging to the Danish Royal Property Trust, has significant historical value. Originally an engagement gift from King Carl XV of Sweden to Princess Louise of the Netherlands in 1850, it was passed down to Queen Lovisa of Denmark, daughter of Princess Louise. The versatile piece features a diamond-studded clasp, which can be worn separately as a brooch.
This bracelet holds particular sentimental value within the Danish royal family, and Queen Mary’s choice to wear it was a tribute to her royal heritage. This marks the second time Queen Mary has worn the bracelet publicly, having previously worn it during one of this year’s New Year receptions in January. On that occasion, she paired it with eighteenth-century diamond earrings originally belonging to Princess Anne of Orange, daughter of King George II of Great Britain.
As the Danish royal couple continues their diplomatic visit to Paris, their jewelry selections not only serve as a showcase of elegance but also as a powerful connection to history, linking their royal legacy to both Denmark and France.
