Duchess of York’s Ruby Suite

Happy Birthday to Sarah, Duchess of York, who celebrates her 66th Birthday today! The exuberant former wife of the Duke of York who continues to live with him at Royal Lodge in Windsor as the ‘happiest divorced couple in the world’, she received this Ruby Suite as a Wedding gift!

In 1986, the Duchess of York received a ruby and diamond suite featuring a serpent-like necklace and coordinating earrings, reportedly as a wedding gift from the Saudi Royal Family, similar to how her sister-in-law, Diana, Princess of Wales, received her Saudi Sapphire Suite.

The Duchess notably wore the Ruby Suite with her Diamond Tiara for an Official Dinner during her first Official Tour of Canada in 1987.

Not long afterwards, the Duchess wore her Saudi Ruby Suite at a Gala Performance at the Royal Opera House in 1987.

In 1990, the Duchess of York wore her Ruby Suit for a Royal Flying Doctors Service Dinner in Australia.

It is thought that the suite remains, like her Tiara and Diamond Suite, with the Duchess after her divorce, but unlike the other pieces, has not been publicly worn for decades!