Current:Home > NewsBow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels -Golden Horizon Investments
Bow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-10 08:59:54
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! (47)
Related
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Boeing and union negotiators set to meet for contract talks 2 weeks into worker strike
- Baltimore longshoremen sue owner and manager of ship that caused the Key Bridge collapse
- Catherine Zeta-Jones celebrates Michael Douglas' 80th birthday 'in my birthday suit'
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Google expert at antitrust trial says government underestimates competition for online ad dollars
- 2024 People's Choice Country Awards Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look as Stars Arrive
- 'Cowboy Carter' collaborators Shaboozey, Post Malone win People's Choice Country Awards
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Halsey shares she was recently hospitalized for a seizure: 'Very scary'
Ranking
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- In St. Marks, residents await Hurricane Helene's wrath
- California Governor Signs Bills to Tighten Restrictions on Oil and Gas Drillers
- Could Caitlin Clark be the WNBA all-time leading scorer? Here's when she could do it
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Tori Spelling’s Ex Dean McDermott Says She Was “Robbed” After DWTS Elimination
- New judge sets expectations in case against man charged with killing 4 Idaho university students
- University of Wisconsin fires former porn-making chancellor who wanted stay on as a professor
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Last of Us' Bella Ramsey and Nashville's Maisy Stella Seemingly Confirm Romance
Biden approves major disaster declaration for northeastern Vermont for late July flooding
Couple reportedly tried to sell their baby for $1,000 and beer, Arkansas deputies say
'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
The Daily Money: How much house can I afford?
Miranda Lambert’s Advice to Her Younger Self Is So Relatable
Kaitlyn Bristowe Is Begging Golden Bachelorette Joan Vassos for This Advice