ATS
St Edward’s crown, the centerpiece of the jewels of the British monarchy, left the Tower of London, where it is on display, to be altered for the coronation of King Charles III on May 6. It is used only for crownings.
Particularly heavy to wear – more than two kilograms – although lightened in 1911, this crown is the “most important and most sacred of all crowns”, according to the description made of it on the site of the royal palaces. It was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661, to replace the medieval crown which was melted down by Parliamentarians in 1649 following the execution of Charles I.
This solid gold crown is set with semi-precious stones, including rubies, amethysts and sapphires, and topped with a purple velvet cap hemmed with an ermine band. It is displayed with the crown jewels, which see more than a million visitors each year.
“modification works”
The crown left the Tower of London so that “modification work” might begin, Buckingham Palace said, with the press citing a resizing.
Without being an exact replica of the lost medieval crown – reputed to have belonged to King Edward the Confessor (11th century) – it has its four crosses pattee, its four fleur-de-lis and two arches.
During the ceremony, Charles III will also wear the Imperial State Crown, which monarchs traditionally wear 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 a kilogram for 31.5 centimeters high, this imposing crown is set with 2868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls and four rubies.
Having become king with the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 on September 8, Charles, who celebrated his 74th birthday on November 14, will be crowned in a ceremony that looks “to the future” while being rooted “ in the long tradition and pomp of the monarchy,” according to the palace.
ATS