The historic royal heirloom that will be placed onQueen Camilla’s head when she is crowned alongsideKing Charles IIIon May 6 has been revealed.
It will mark the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the coronation of a Queen Consort instead of a new commission being made, the palace said, “in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.” The last time a Queen Consort’s crown was reused was in the 18th century, when Queen Caroline, consort of George II, wore Mary of Modena’s crown.
The crown will be slightly altered to include a special touch honoring the lateQueen Elizabeth II. Work is underway to reset the headpiece with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds that were part of the late monarch’s personal jewelry collection. She often wore them as brooches.
Queen Mary’s Crown.Alamy Stock Photo
The Cullinan diamonds (which are part of the famous Cullinan diamond, the largest ever found) have been set into Queen Mary’s Crown on previous occasions, including when the Cullinan III and IV were temporarily set in the crown for the 1911 coronation.
Queen Camilla.Chris Jackson/Getty
The announcement settles anongoing discussion among royal watchersabout what Queen Camilla will wear at Westminster Abbey on May 6. King Charles will wear the historic and traditionalSt. Edward’s Crown.
Queen Camilla.Eddie Mulholland - WPA Pool/Getty
In October, a source from the Bharatiya Janata Party in India toldThe Telegraph, “The coronation of Camilla and the use of the crown jewel Koh-i-Nûr brings back painful memories of the colonial past.”
“Most Indians have very little memory of the oppressive past. Five to six generations of Indians suffered under multiple foreign rules for over five centuries,” the source said. “The coronation of the new Queen Camilla and the use of the Koh-i-Nûr do transport a few Indians back to the days of the British Empire in India.”
VICTORIA JONES/POOL/AFP via Getty
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The St. Edward’s Crown, which Charles will wear,was removed from the Tower of Londonlate last year for adjustments to be made. It is now back on public display.
source: people.com
