Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in the White Drawing Room in Windsor Castle. She is seen wearing the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch in tribute to her late husband. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in the White Drawing Room in Windsor Castle. She is seen wearing the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch in tribute to her late husband. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in the White Drawing Room in Windsor Castle. She is seen wearing the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch in tribute to her late husband. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II records her annual Christmas broadcast in the White Drawing Room in Windsor Castle. She is seen wearing the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch in tribute to her late husband. Getty Image

The story of the queen's sapphire brooch: a subtle tribute to Prince Philip


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Queen Elizabeth II’s annual Christmas address for 2021 was deeply personal, in more ways than one.

At her first Christmas without her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, the queen, who is the longest-reigning British monarch in history, addressed the public for the 69th time.

During her annual Christmas speech, it is traditional for the queen to pay tribute to the notable events from the year, but it took a personal tone this time, as she paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April aged 99.

She spoke of the sorrow of losing loved ones, so keenly felt during times of family celebration. "Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially, I understand why," she said.

As usual, the address was pre-recorded, this year in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle, where she has chosen to spend the holiday period instead of Sandringham Estate where she usually spends Christmas, owing to the spread of the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron.

As well as remembering Prince Philip in her words, she offered another, more discreet homage. Clad in a vivid red top, the queen adorned it with her signature triple string pearls and a large, sapphire and white diamond brooch.

In a framed photograph of her and her husband on the desk next to her during the speech, taken during celebrations of their diamond wedding anniversary in 2007, the queen could be seen wearing the same blue brooch.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip marked their diamond wedding anniversary, marking 60 years of marriage, on November 20, 2007. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip marked their diamond wedding anniversary, marking 60 years of marriage, on November 20, 2007. Getty Images

The photograph, taken at Broadlands Country House, was a significant one for the couple, as it's where they spent their wedding night on November 20, 1947.

In a photo taken in the same spot following their wedding, t then Princess Elizabeth can be seen wearing the same sapphire brooch.

Photographed during their November 1947 honeymoon, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh stand in the gardens of Broadlands Country House. The future queen is wearing the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch. Getty
Photographed during their November 1947 honeymoon, Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh stand in the gardens of Broadlands Country House. The future queen is wearing the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch. Getty

Shaped like a chrysanthemum flower, with petals of white diamonds, it is believed the brooch was given to the princess in 1946 after she helped launch an oil tanker, appropriately named the British Princess.

Seen here in 1951, holding the infant Princess Anne, with Prince Charles and her husband Prince Philip, the Queen wears the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch. Getty
Seen here in 1951, holding the infant Princess Anne, with Prince Charles and her husband Prince Philip, the Queen wears the chrysanthemum sapphire brooch. Getty

She wore it again for an official family portrait in 1951, showing both the queen and her husband, and their children, Prince Charles, and a baby Princess Anne. So often seen at key moments in her family life with the late prince, it is fair to assume it was a personal favourite of the duke, who she described in her speech as being “irrepressible” and as her “beloved.”

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Group A: Italy, Switzerland, Wales, Turkey 

Group B: Belgium, Russia, Denmark, Finland

Group C: Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, 
Georgia/Kosovo/Belarus/North Macedonia

Group D: England, Croatia, Czech Republic, 
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Group E: Spain, Poland, Sweden, 
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Group F: Germany, France, Portugal, 
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Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

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1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

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7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
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  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
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