Britain's Queen Elizabeth lent Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, a precious diamond necklace to wear to her 60th birthday party. The dazzling jewels once belonged to the Queen Mother and experts say the necklace is priceless because of its history.
It was given to the Queen Mother by her mother-in-law, Queen Mary, who had received it from her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Teck, at her wedding to Prince George in July 1893.
The queen did not attend Camilla's birthday party at Highgrove - the Gloucestershire home the duchess shares with husband Prince Charles - on Saturday night, as it would have meant the 'low-key' event would have had to have been much more formal.
But the loan of the family heirloom was a gesture to show that the long-running tension between Camilla and her mother-in-law is fading.
Despite the queen's absence, the black tie dinner and dance party at the royal mansion was a huge success.
Prince William and girlfriend Kate Middleton - who have recently rekindled their romance after a three-month break - the Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Zara Phillips and her boyfriend Mike Tindall were all in attendance.
While Sir David Frost, Timothy West and his wife Prunella Scales, and Edward Fox were also among the 200 guests.
Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, attended with his wife Rosemary, and Camilla and Andrew's children Tom and Laura were there to help their mother celebrate her birthday.
Prince Harry did not attend as he is holidaying with his girlfriend Chelsy Davy in Africa.
Camilla was the belle of the ball in her diamond necklace and stunning white Anna Valentine evening gown.
One guest told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "She looked radiant. She said it was the happiest day since her wedding."
Another source revealed: "Charles gave her a beautiful eternity ring that she showed off to everyone. He looked absolutely chuffed to be able to throw her such a fabulous party as his wife at long last."
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