Current:Home > StocksBow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels -Elevate Profit Vision
Bow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-10 23:16:11
You best believe King Charles III will be making the whole place shimmer at Westminster Abbey May 6.
For the United Kingdom's first coronation ceremony in over 70 years, the monarchy is pulling out all the stops—and adornments—for Charles and Queen Camilla's big day. An integral part of the even? The Crown Jewels, which serve an essential role in anointing the new ruling monarch.
On display in the Tower of London, the collection, much of it created on the orders of King Charles II in 1661, includes pieces will be making a rare outing for the special event. Along with two crowns—one of which was last used during Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, while the other contains the largest uncut diamond in the world—regalia such as a 674-year-old spoon will be presented to the new king during his investiture. Plus, one key artifact that is being transported from Scotland to England for the special occasion: The Stone of Destiny.
So, break out some sunglasses as we prepare to blind you with these details about the Crown Jewels:
Last used for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this crown will be placed on King Charles III's head at the moment of his coronation.
Made for Charles II in 1661, St. Edward's Crown replaced its medieval predecessor that was melted down in 1649. It's made of solid gold and contains rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. Worth a reported £2.5million, royal correspondent Sharon Carpenter revealed to E! News that the piece weighs five pounds.
While he was just 4 years old when his mother was crowned with the same diadem, Carpenter said it was "a significant moment" in Charles' life. "It really stuck with him."
Crafted for the coronation of King George VI in 1937, this crown replaced the one that was made for Queen Victoria in 1838. Made of gold and containing 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and four rubies, this piece contains some of the most famous jewels in the collection: The Black Prince's Ruby, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Cullinan II diamond.
The Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch as he departs Westminster Abbey after the coronation and is also used on other State occasions because it is a lot "lighter" than St. Edward's, Carpenter explained. "It's more along the lines of three pounds."
Made in the 12th century, the Coronation Spoon is one of the oldest objects in the Crown Jewels and is used to anoint the sovereign with holy oil.
Used at every coronation since Charles II was crowned in 1661, the 530.2-carat Cullinan I—which is the biggest part of the largest uncut diamond ever found at 3,106 carats—was added to the Sceptre in 1910 for George V.
During the ceremony, King Charles will be presented with objects representing their powers and responsibilities, which is called the investiture. Made in 1661 and mounted with clusters of emeralds, rubies and sapphires, the Orb is a golden globe surmounted by a rose-cut diamond-encrusted cross to remind that the monarch's power is derived from God.
In addition to the Coronation Spoon, the Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, the Orb was last seen on top of Queen Elizabeth II's casket, Carpenter noted. "People are going to be thinking about Queen Elizabeth because the last time the royals gathered together in this kind of way was to say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth at her funeral Westminster Abbey," the royal expert explained. "She's certainly going to be on people's minds and I'm sure we are going to see various other nods to the late queen in various different ways."
Also referred to as the Stone of Destiny, this historic piece has been moved from Scotland to England for Charles' coronation. Weighing 336 pounds and made of sandstone, the Stone of Scone was used to anoint Scottish kings until Edward I seized it more than 700 years ago. It was returned to its native country in 1996 and, after Charles is crowned sitting in it, it will be taken back to Edinburgh.
Watch E! News weeknights Monday through Thursday at 11 p.m., only on E!.veryGood! (7979)
Related
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- Kylie Jenner Reveals Where She Really Stands With Jordyn Woods
- As Maduro shifts from migration denier to defender, Venezuelans consider leaving if he is reelected
- A nurse honored for compassion is fired after referring in speech to Gaza ‘genocide’
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Time is running out for American victims of nuclear tests. Congress must do what's right.
- DNC plans to nominate Biden and Harris virtually before convention
- Best MLB stadium food: Ranking the eight top ballparks for eats in 2024
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- There aren't enough mental health counselors to respond to 911 calls. One county sheriff has a virtual solution.
Ranking
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Panda lover news: 2 more giant pandas are coming to the National Zoo in 2024
- Wildfire threatens structures, prompts evacuations in small Arizona community of Kearny
- F-35 fighter jet worth $135M crashes near Albuquerque International Sunport, pilot injured
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Lego unveils 2,500-piece 'Legend of Zelda' set: 2-in-1 box available to preorder for $299
- 14 pro-democracy activists convicted, 2 acquitted in Hong Kong’s biggest national security case
- 3 shot to death in South Dakota town; former mayor, ex-law enforcement officer charged
Recommendation
Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
Military jet goes down near Albuquerque airport; pilot hospitalized
More than 4 million chickens to be killed in Iowa after officials detect bird flu on farm
New Orleans mystery: Human skull padlocked to a dumbbell is pulled out of water by a fisherman
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
ConocoPhillips buys Marathon Oil for $17.1 billion as energy giants scale up
Millions of older Americans still grapple with student loan debt, hindering retirement
When South Africa’s election results are expected and why the president will be chosen later