“It fetched a handsome £40,800, over 10 times the £3,000 to £4,000 Christie’s had estimated it would sell for.

“More recently in 2016, auctioneers Woolley & Wallis, in Salisbury, Wiltshire, also offered the piece for sale.”

It is unknown how and when she acquired the brooch and unfortunately it was not worn very often.

Royal fans took to Instagram praising the jewellery piece.

Instagram user @jaffraycox said: “Ooh! It’s delightful.”