St Edward’s Crown, the centerpiece of the British monarchy’s jewels, has left the Tower of London, where it is usually on public display, to be altered for King Charles III’s coronation on May 6, it announced Saturday. Buckingham palace.
Particularly heavy to wear – more than two kilos – although lightened in 1911, this crown is “the most important and the most sacred of all crowns”, according to the description that is made of it in the locations of the royal palaces.
“modification works”
Used only for coronations, and in fact last worn in 1953 by Queen Elizabeth II, it was made for that of Charles II in 1661, to replace the medieval crown that was toppled by Parliamentarians in 1649 after Charles I’s execution. .
This solid gold crown is set with semi-precious stones, including rubies, amethysts, and sapphires, and is topped with a purple velvet cap edged with ermine. It is displayed with the crown jewels, which receive more than a million visitors each year.
The crown vacated the Tower of London so “alteration work” could begin, according to Buckingham Palace, with press citing a resizing.
2868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls and four rubies
Without being an exact replica of the disappeared medieval crown – which is said to have belonged to King Edward the Confessor (11th century) – it has its four kicked crosses, its four fleurs-de-lys and two arches.
During the ceremony, Charles III will also wear the Imperial State Crown, which is traditionally worn by monarchs when leaving Westminster Abbey. Created for the coronation of King George VI, father of Elizabeth II, in 1937, this ceremonial crown is also used at the opening of the parliamentary year.
Weighing just over one kilogram and standing 31.5 centimeters tall, this imposing crown is set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and four rubies.
A shorter and less expensive coronation than his mother’s
After becoming king with the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at the age of 96 on September 8, Charles, who turned 74 on November 14, will be crowned in a ceremony that looks “to the future.” while taking root “in the long tradition and pomp of the monarchy,” according to the palace.
According to the British press, the coronation, marked by a holiday on May 8, will be shorter and cheaper than that of his mother. The latter had lasted for more than three hours, in front of 8,251 guests.
Source: BFM TV
