Duchess Winifred played an important part during the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra in 1902, and can be seen wearing the brooch in the photographic portrait commemorating the event.

In Men Women and Things, Memories of the Duke of Portland K.G., G.C.V.O. (1937), the 6th Duke recalls an amusing anecdote which took place during the rehearsals:

"My wife, the Duchess of Marlborough, the Duchess of Sutherland and the Duchess of Montrose carried the canopy under which Queen Alexandra was anointed. These four ladies had to submit to being drilled in the garden of Buckingham Palace by Colonel Brocklehurst (afterwards Lord Ranksborough), Queen Alexandra's Equerry, formerly Colonel of the Royal Horse Guards (Blues). He made them fall in like soldiers for drill, and then said, 'There must be no talking or kissing or laughing in the ranks - though, of course, you may kiss me afterwards if you like. I shall address you as numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4. Now all four stand to attention! Numbers 1 and 2, take hold of the front poles of the canopy; 3 and 4 take hold of the others. Now, lift up the poles. Number 1, you are holding your pole too high. Number 2, yours is crooked.' They were all very much amused, but obeyed his orders implicitly - though I did not hear whether they kissed him afterwards! When the day came their part in the ceremony was a great success."