2017 Iolani Palace Ornament: Liliuokalani Regina

The 2017 Iolani Palace ornament honors the 100th anniversary of the passing of Queen Liliuokalani and the 55th anniversary of the commissioning of the Ceremonial Royal Guard. Lydia Liliu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaeha was born on September 2, 1838. Her brother, King David Laamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehukalani Lumialani Kalakaua, named her his heir and gave her the name Liliuokalani in 1877. She ascended the throne after his passing in January of 1891 and reigned as Queen Liliuokalani until she was deposed in 1893. She passed away at her home, Washington Place, on November 11, 19170. Col. Walter Judd created the present-day Royal Guard in January 1963. Members of this Ceremonial Royal Guard are members of the Hawaiian Air National Guard. They wear uniforms that were fashioned after historical descriptions and photos of the 19th-century guards. All commands are given in the Hawaiian Language. The Guard, which is reviewed annually on Kalakaua's birthday in November, also participates in parades and ceremonies. The Liliuokalani Regina ornament is designed after an artifact in the Iolani Palace collection: a uniform button dating to the reign of Queen Liliuokalani. The design includes the letters L R, representing Liliuokalani Regina, placed between a crown and an open wreath. Regina is the Latin word for Queen.