Queen Camilla, a supporter of animal welfare, wore a diamond-encrusted dog brooch by Van Cleef & Arpels during a recent appearance for the National Literacy Trust's Year of Reading. Valued at around £5,400 ($7,400), the brooch added a personal touch to her simple yet polished outfit.
The 18-carat gold brooch, which is part of the maison's Lucky Animals collection, also reflects the Queen's long-time love of rescue dogs.
Celebrating the joy of storytelling this National Year of Reading! 📖
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 4, 2026
🖊️ The Queen, as Patron of the National Literacy Trust, has opened a new library at Christ Church CE Primary School in London.
This brand-new library, home to more than 500 books, is the 2,000th to be opened… pic.twitter.com/twyEGaokzv
Queen Steps Out in Refined Outfit with Personal Twist
For the event, Queen Camilla opted for a classic, understated outfit that allowed her jewellery to take centre stage. She wore a tailored coat in a dark colour over a green dress and black boots, then matching her outfit with minimal accessories and natural make-up. Rather than competing with statement fashion, the ensemble was designed to highlight one standout detail: the brooch pinned neatly to her lapel.
The focal point of the look was a Van Cleef & Arpels dog brooch, crafted in the shape of a Jack Russell terrier. Part of the maison's Lucky Animals collection, the clip is made from 18-carat yellow gold and features white mother-of-pearl and onyx detailing. Its design incorporates two mother-of-pearl stones and five onyx stones, each naturally unique. This means subtle variations in colour and texture can occur from one piece to another.
Finished with a pin-back clasp in 18-carat yellow gold, the brooch combines fine craftsmanship with a charming, lifelike character that's enhanced by its textured fur details and expressive features.
A Nod to Queen Camilla's Love for Dogs
Queen Camilla's choice of a dog-shaped brooch reflects how much she loves animals, especially stray dogs. She has been a passionate advocate for animal welfare for many years and is widely known for adopting dogs from rescue centres rather than buying from breeders.
The Queen is a patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, one of the most prominent animal welfare charities in the United Kingdom. She rehomed several rescue dogs from the home, including Jack Russell terriers Beth in August 2011 and Bluebell in September 2012.
She has regularly used her platform to promote responsible pet ownership and the importance of rehoming animals in need. Battersea has frequently highlighted her hands-on interest in the charity's work, from meeting rescue dogs to supporting awareness campaigns aimed at reducing abandonment.
Over the years, Queen Camilla has owned several dogs, many of them Jack Russell terriers. Her affection for the breed has become something of a signature, making the Van Cleef & Arpels brooch she wore feel especially personal.
The Queen and King Charles III are also known to share their home with multiple canine companions.
Why Van Cleef & Arpels Remains Royal Favourite
Founded in Paris in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is one of the world's most prestigious jewellery houses. It's celebrated for its craftsmanship, innovation, and poetic designs. The brand is particularly renowned for its use of nature-inspired motifs—from flowers and animals to celestial themes—as well as its signature Mystery Set technique.
Van Cleef & Arpels has long been favoured by royalty and celebrities, prized for pieces that feel both luxurious and expressive. The fact that Queen Camilla chose a brooch from the maison shows that heritage jewellery can still feel modern and personal.
