Amethysts at the Epsom Derby

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Queen Elizabeth II was off to the races on Saturday, attending the Epsom Derby in Surrey. For the occasion, she wore one of the oldest brooches in her collection: the Kent Amethyst Brooch.

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The brooch is part of a larger suite of amethysts owned by the Duchess of Kent, Queen Victoria’s mother. The suite includes several other pieces, including a necklace, but this brooch is the piece worn most frequently by the Queen. (You can read more about the entire demi-parure over here.)

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While watching the races in her box, the Queen (pictured with her racing manager, John Warren) moved the brooch from her coat to her floral dress.

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The event was yet another recent occasion that saw the Queen wearing sunglasses. These photos show that they aren’t a separate pair of glasses — they’re lenses that transition from clear to dark with changing light. The Queen has begun wearing these lenses more often recently, probably to provide her eyes with extra comfort in brighter light.