The coronation crown of King Charles III is the symbol of the British monarchy’s power and tradition. It is one of the most significant objects in the royal collection, having been worn by every British monarch since the coronation of George IV in 1821. The crown is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with precious jewels and intricate goldwork, and is a testament to the skill and artistry of the royal jewelers who created it.
The History of the Crown
The history of the coronation crown dates back to the 17th century when the first crown was commissioned by King Charles II for his coronation in 1661. The crown was designed by the royal jeweler, Robert Vyner, and was made of gold and set with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. In 1838, King William IV commissioned a new crown designed by the jeweler, Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, which was used for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838.
The current coronation crown was made for the coronation of King George IV in 1821 and is known as the St. Edward’s Crown. The crown is made of solid gold and is set with 444 precious stones, including diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and rubies. The crown is named after St. Edward the Confessor, who was a popular English saint and king in the 11th century.
The Design of the Crown
The coronation crown is designed in a traditional British style and is made of gold with a velvet cap. The crown is decorated with four crosses and four fleurs-de-lis, which symbolize the four nations of the United Kingdom. The crown is also set with a large ruby in the center, which is known as the Black Prince’s Ruby. The ruby is said to have been worn by Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and was later given to Edward, the Black Prince, by the King of Castile.
The crown is also decorated with 12 arches, each of which is set with a large diamond. The arches are supported by two bands of diamonds, which run around the circumference of the crown. The crown is topped with a cross, which is set with a large diamond known as the Star of Africa. The diamond is the second-largest in the world and weighs over 530 carats.
The Importance of the Crown
The coronation crown is more than just a piece of jewelry. It is a symbol of the British monarchy’s power and tradition and is a key part of the coronation ceremony, which has been held for every British monarch since the 10th century. The crown is a tangible link to the past and represents the continuity of the British monarchy, which has survived for over a thousand years.
The crown is also a reminder of the British Empire, which at its height, spanned a quarter of the world’s landmass and was ruled by the British monarch. The crown is a symbol of the power and influence of the British Empire, which has had a profound impact on the world and its history.
The Future of the Crown
The coronation crown will continue to play an important role in the British monarchy for generations to come. It will be worn by King Charles III at his coronation, which is expected to take place in the near future. The crown will also be on display at the Tower of London, where it will be seen by millions of visitors from around the world.
The future of the British monarchy is uncertain, but the coronation crown will remain a symbol of the monarchy’s power and tradition, and a testament to the skill and artistry of the royal jewelers who created it.
