Resplendent in sapphire, now she – and Britain – can enjoy gem of a jubilee
SHe hadn’t been seen in public since early December. yesterday, however, the Queen reappeared with a smile, a purposeful look that said ‘back to business’ and a coded reference to a unique jubilee. Dressed in a bright blue coat, and with a blue blanket on her lap, the monarch was driven to morning service at St Mary Magdelene, Sandringham, accompanied by the Duke of edinburgh. There, they were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with members of the Duchess’s family.
For a routine Sunday morning service, however, this one was loaded with great significance. The fact that the Sovereign – a woman of deep personal faith – missed church on Christmas Day, for the first time anyone could recall, and was then absent again the following Sunday, was a reminder of the severity of the winter cold that has laid the Queen low in recent weeks.
It was also testimony to the pressure exerted on her by both her doctor and her family. The tiny clutch of sick notes during this record reign is a reflection of both the Queen’s strong constitution and her tendency to battle on when below par. But after her 90th birthday, it is clear that there is now a new policy on convalescence.
after all, this is an important royal year – and not just because the Queen and Prince Philip will celebrate 70 years of marriage.
For as of February 6 – the 65th anniversary of the Queen’s accession – the first Sapphire Jubilee in history will begin. Hence, no doubt, yesterday’s choice of an all-blue ensemble. Besides, as those close to the Queen point out, sapphire is also one of her favourite colours.
Six monarchs have reigned for 50 years – a Golden Jubilee – whereas only two have reached Diamond (Victoria and elizabeth herself). Sapphire is entirely uncharted territory.
Buckingham Palace is not planning any events to mark this rather charming landmark but it has already received official recognition. The Queen has formally approved designs for jubilee coins and stamps in a number of her smaller realms and overseas territories, where the local economy can derive considerable income from special commemorative issues. The jubilee will be big business for some.
In Britain, royal staff say it will be entirely up to individuals and organisations to decide whether and how to mark this milestone. The view is that it should be lowprofile but enjoyed by anyone who wants to.
One insider said: ‘The Diamond Jubilee was a very big occasion five years ago and the Queen is modest about these things.’ But if people want to organise a sapphire-themed village fete, dance, concert or carnival parade, they will do so with the royal blessing.
‘There’s something rather lovely about the Queen marking her Sapphire Jubilee. I’m sure that some community groups or charities may decide to use it as a theme during the year,’ says Kate Hoey, labour MP for Vauxhall and previously a member of the all-Party Parliamentary Group for the Diamond Jubilee.
Sir Martyn lewis, the broadcaster and chairman of the Queen’s award for Voluntary Service – which honours groups rather than individuals – believes it’s a good opportunity for the voluntary sector. ‘I’d like to see the idea of the Sapphire Jubilee bringing more charities, companies and people together,’ he says.
The anniversary has certainly captured the imagination of the jewellery trade. ‘Though the Queen has already marked her silver, gold and diamond milestones, all true gem and jewellery lovers have been waiting for the sapphire celebration,’ says Sarah Hue-Williams, the gemologist and author of Hidden Gems. ‘Royal ladies love sapphires, and rightly so. The colour blue is universally popular, with royal blue historically linked with love, wisdom and courage. Together with ruby and emerald, sapphire has always been considered one of the “big three” – the triumvirate of the most precious coloured gems.’ She points out that the Queen so loved the sapphire and diamond necklace given to her by her father at the time of her wedding that, some years later, she commissioned a matching tiara and bracelet.
‘I believe Her Majesty loves the sapphire blue colour and I know, when it comes to enamel, blue is her favourite,’ says Simon Benney, the Wiltshire-based designer of jewellery and objets d’art who holds three royal warrants. ‘Throughout history, there is a strong royal connection with sapphire/royal blue.’
CeRTaInly the jubilee is a moment, once again, to reflect on the continuity and stability provided by the world’s longestreigning monarch, but the Queen and Prince Philip are looking forward to what they both regard as a more significant milestone in november – their platinum wedding anniversary.
In the meantime, there are plenty of other big moments on the horizon in 2017. It is widely anticipated that there will be a visit from the next president of the Untied States, Donald Trump.
as the head of state in Canada, the Queen will be involved in events to mark the 150th anniversary of the confederation.
While she has made clear that her days of long-haul travel are behind her, she is expected to host events in the UK while other members of the family represent her in Canada.
at home, major fixtures such as the State Opening of Parliament and at least two incoming state visits are also on the cards.
and there has been absolutely no reduction in the royal garden party schedule. So the Queen and Prince Philip will, as ever, be entertaining another 30,000 public-spirited guests to tea on the lawns of Buckingham Palace and Holyroodhouse.
In other words, it really is business as usual – although it is safe to say that we are going to see rather a lot of blue.