Buckingham Palace gives major update after controversial honour

Buckingham Palace is giving major update on Queen Camilla and King Charles latest appearance during a State Banquet held for Japan's Emperor and Empress.

Camilla drew attention on Tuesday evening while she unveiled King Charles's new Royal Family Order.

At 76, Camilla wore an elegant cream embroidered dress by Fiona Clare, complemented by the Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, a rare piece designed by the late Queen herself. Observers noted the tiara's thoughtful reflection of the colors of the Japanese flag.

The new Family Order caused a stir, continuing a tradition where female royals wear a portrait of the monarch, dating back to King George IV's time. 

However, Charles introduced a significant change by having miniaturist Elizabeth Meek paint his portrait on polymin, a synthetic material, demonstrating his environmental commitment. Meek based her painting on a 2023 portrait by Hugo Burnand, depicting Charles in the Admiral of the Fleet uniform, adorned with the Garter Star and Collar, Thistle Star, and Royal Victorian Order. 

The portrait is framed in white and yellow gold, encrusted with diamonds from the Royal Collection, totaling 10.41 carats, and suspended from a gold and enamel Tudor Crown.

The portrait is affixed to a pale blue silk bow crafted by Philip Treacy, a favourite hat designer of Camilla's. Charles personally chose the color as a tribute to his great-grandfather, King George V.

Camilla made history as the first person to wear this honour, positioned above Queen Elizabeth's Family Order on a blue sash. Queen Elizabeth II's Family Order, featuring her regal portrait adorned with the Order of the Garter ribbon and star, was previously awarded to Princess Diana, the Queen Mother, the Princess of Wales, and Camilla herself.