Silke Jasso
The BBC has reported that a controversial crown will not be used during King Charles’ coronation in May, and Queen Consort Camilla will not wear the Koh-i-Noor diamond.
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This marks the first time in history that a crown will be “recycled” for an official coronation. At the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II last year, Camilla wore the Crown of Queen Elizabeth, which features the Koh-i-Noor diamond. According to the Historic Royal Palaces, the crown was given to Queen Elizabeth II’s mother back in 1937, while the diamond was given to Queen Victoria as a condition of the Treaty of Lahore in 1849.
The diamond has had several owners, including heads of the Mughal empire, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas. It is believed to have originated from the Golconda mines in central southern India. BBC News reports that several Indians still believe the diamond was stolen by the British and still belongs to India.
Camilla Won’t Wear the Controversial Kohinoor Diamond
The Koh-i-Noor diamond was originally larger in size, but it was recut to weigh 105.6 carats. The name Koh-i-Noor means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, and the diamond is associated with both good and bad luck through two different legends.
At the coronation, Camilla will not wear the crown featuring the Koh-i-Noor diamond, as she did at the funeral. Instead, she will wear Queen Mary’s Crown, which has been taken from the Tower of London and resized for the special occasion. The crown will also have diamonds from Queen Elizabeth II’s collection added to it.
King Charles will wear the St. Edward’s Crown during his coronation, which was made for King Charles II and first used in 1661. This crown has been used for other coronations in the past, including Queen Elizabeth II’s. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the St. Edward’s Crown was moved from its public display last year in preparation for King Charles’ coronation.
According to the Historic Royal Palaces, a significant aspect of the coronation is the investiture, where the monarch receives several special items from the Coronation Regalia that represent their authority and obligations. The investiture concludes with the presentation of St. Edward’s Crown, which symbolizes royal majesty and dignity. During the procession from Westminster Abbey, the monarch wears the Imperial State Crown.
Both the St. Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown were also used during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. The Imperial State Crown was placed on her coffin, and King Charles wore St. Edward’s Crown.
