“The long history of the piece, signifying family events, formal engagements and weddings, as well as memories of the Queen’s early reign with Prince Phillip, made it a symbolic and sentimental choice for the funeral of her husband and royal partner of 73 years,” the jewellery expert added.

The Richmond brooch belonged to Her Majesty’s grandmother, Queen Mary.

Made by Hunt and Roskell, it was given to Mary as a wedding present in 1893 by the town of Richmond, in the suburbs of London.

Mary’s family, the Tecks, had lived at White Lodge in Richmond Park for more than two decades.