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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Katie Weston

Princess Anne sends subtle message with well-chosen brooch after Coronation drama

Princess Anne wore a symbolic brooch as she officially opened a new marina in Scotland yesterday.

Accompanied by Lord Lieutenant James Wotherspoon, the Princess Royal unveiled a plaque at the Thomas Telford Corpach Marina before taking a tour of its £3.7million facilities.

She wore a red collarless jacket for the occasion, paired with some sunglasses and a gold brooch estimated to be worth £4,000.

Featuring two pearls and two rubies, the piece forms a Scout reef knot, which jewellers say is the "perfect fit" for the Princess.

Diamond expert Zack Stone, of UK retailer Steven Stone, said: "Princess Anne has worn her gold Scout Reef Knot brooch to multiple engagements - last December, she memorably wore the symbolic piece to visit the Intelligence Corps in Chicksands.

The Princess Royal unveiled a plaque at the site (The Highland Council)

"The stunning brooch is in the shape of a Scout reef knot, with the rope symbolising the family of the World Scout Movement and the knot symbolising the strength of the unity of the World Scout Movement.

"The brooch is the perfect fit for the Princess Royal, who is known for her strong character."

Princess Anne's appearance came as a new poll suggested that more than half of Britons do not think the King’s Coronation should be funded by the Government.

The YouGov survey, carried out just over two weeks before Charles and the Queen Consort are set to be crowned, found 51% of adults questioned believe the ceremony should not be funded by the Government.

Mr Stone added: "It's particularly fitting that Princess Anne has worn a piece representing strength with King Charles III's Coronation just weeks away, as not only are the monarchy facing backlash regarding the price of the ceremony, but there's also the controversy of Meghan Markle not attending.

"I’d estimate the brooch to be worth approximately £4,000 ($5,000).”

During her visit, Princess Anne strolled around the marina's facilities, which include berths for 45 yachts and motor vessels, as well as small day boats and a cafe.

The marina has been developed in partnership with community volunteers, and is supported by The Highland Council, Scottish Government, HIE, Crown Estate Scotland and many other local businesses.

During her visit, Princess Anne strolled around the marina's £3.7million facilities (The Highland Council)

Convener of The Highland Council, Cllr Bill Lobban said: "The opening of the Thomas Telford Corpach Marina marks a significant new opportunity for the people of Lochaber; marine tourism is an essential contributor to our coastal economies and these world class facilities are set to enhance Lochaber as a prime sailing and boating destination.

"We are honoured that HRH attended this prestigious event to officially open the Marina. The drive, energy and commitment of the volunteer committee must also be commended.

"The partnership approach to strategic development is a great example of good practise and one that can be replicated across our coastal communities as we take ‘Giant Strides’ to grow our Marine Tourism sector as we transition to a Blue Economy."

Chair of Crown Estate Scotland, Amanda Bryan, added: "Yesterday’s opening of Corpach Marina marks a significant moment not just for Fort William and Lochaber, but for demonstrating how partnership working can help deliver for coastal communities.

"Crown Estate Scotland’s lease of the seabed to the Marina plus a commitment of £500,000 of capital investment forms part of a wider programme of support for people across Scotland to develop economic opportunities that can – as shown at Corpach – have multiple benefits for those who live, work, and visit an area.

"We look forward to working with other coastal communities to achieve similar successes."

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