London: Changes will be made to Britain’s 17th-century ‘St Edward’s Crown’ for the occasion of King Charles III’s coronation. Buckingham Palace said on Saturday that the crown, the centerpiece of the Royal Family’s Royal Crown Jewels, has been removed from the exhibition for the time being for repair. This solid gold crown is studded with precious stones like ruby, sapphire, garnet, topaz and many more. Charles III will wear it at his coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6 May next year.
This royal crown is the centerpiece of Crown Jewels. More than a million people visit the Tower of London each year to view a large collection of royal regalia. The crown has a purple velvet cap, which is over 30 cm (one foot) long and very heavy. It was last worn by Queen Elizabeth II during her coronation in 1953. King Charles III will be crowned with his wife, Queen Consort Camilla.
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This crown was made for King Charles II in 1661 to replace a medieval crown. After hundreds of years, now this crown is worn only in the coronation ceremony, because it is very heavy. It was lightened for the coronation of King George V in 1911, but still weighs 2.23 kg (about five pounds). King Charles III would also only wear it when he was coronated. When King Charles III leaves Westminster Abbey, he will wear the more modern Imperial State Crown. Which is also used for occasions like the opening of Parliament. The Imperial State Crown with over 2,000 diamonds was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, father of Elizabeth II.
