The maple leaf Kate Middleton , an old jewel of 77 years

In Canada in late September 2016, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton was born, adorned with a pin in the shape of a maple leaf. A jewel that has a history.

This Saturday, September 24, 2016, Catherine Duchess of Cambridge set foot on Canadian soil for his second official visit to the country.Accompanied by her husband Prince William and their two children,Prince George and Princess Charlotte, Kate stepped off the plane in a blue dress blue of Jenny Packham, coordinated a bug decorated with maple leaves in tissue even blue. Another maple leaf invited himself in his look with a gem: an inlaid platinum diamond brooch. Two days later, the young woman of 34 years the sported again on his red cocktail dress of the English brand Preen at a reception.

This pin, Kate already wore in 2011 during his first tour in Canada, three months after her marriage to Prince William. However, it is not in its jewel case. It belongs to Queen Elizabeth II, who holds his mother. And this pin has a story.

A gift from King George VI to his wife Queen consort Elizabeth

Back in 1939, 77 years ago. That year, King George VI -the father of Elizabeth II decided to go, accompanied by his wife Queen Elizabeth, Canada, the Commonwealth countries on which he reigns. Never before has a British sovereign has made that trip. Suffice to say that there is much anticipated by his subjects. Before leaving England, the monarch gives to his wife that pin shaped maple leaf Sugar, the emblem of Canada.The precious gem is shaped by the London jeweler Asprey workshops & Co. The queen adorns from the Atlantic crossing aboard the ship the "Empress of Australia". And the pin several times on her outfits during their tour through the provinces. A move that will affect Canadians at heart.

If the Queen Mum kept this gem all his life, adorning occasionally her dresses, coats or hats, she confided to her oldest daughter in 1951 when it made its first official visit to Canada. Became Queen Elizabeth II will again this jewel diplomatic properties in Canada stays.

Before Kate, Camilla has sported this pin in Canada

Since the death of his mother in 2002 at the age of 101 years, the maple leaf platinum and diamond is in the cassette Elizabeth II jewelery.However it will not hesitate to lend to women of his family when they trample Canadian land on behalf of the crown. Before Kate, the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla wore for his first Canadian tour with her husband Prince Charles, in November 2009.