Current:Home > NewsBow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels -TradeStation
Bow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels
View
Date:2025-04-17 16:03:22
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! (4162)
Related
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- CDC says salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons has spread to nine states
- Princess Kate shares health update on cancer treatment, announces first public appearance in months
- Italy concedes goal after 23 seconds but recovers to beat Albania 2-1 at Euro 2024
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- How The Bachelor's Becca Tilley Found Her Person in Hayley Kiyoko
- Argentina men’s national team friendly vs. Guatemala: Messi scores goal, how to live stream
- Charles Barkley says he will retire from television after 2024-25 NBA season
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- NBA great Jerry West wasn't just the logo. He was an ally for Black players
Ranking
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Italy concedes goal after 23 seconds but recovers to beat Albania 2-1 at Euro 2024
- Mama June's Daughter Jessica Chubbs Shannon Wants Brother-In-Law to Be Possible Sperm Donor
- Prince William, Kate Middleton and Kids Have Royally Sweet Family Outing at Trooping the Colour 2024
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Prosecutor says ATF agent justified in fatal shooting of Little Rock airport director during raid
- Pope Francis is first pope to address G7 summit, meets with Biden, world leaders
- Treasure trove recovered from ancient shipwrecks 5,000 feet underwater in South China Sea
Recommendation
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
CDC says salmonella outbreak linked to bearded dragons has spread to nine states
Don’t take all your cash with you to the beach and other tips to avoid theft during a Hawaii holiday
Donating blood makes my skin look great. Giving blood is good for you.
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
Edmonton Oilers are searching for answers down 3-0 in the Stanley Cup Final
You may owe the IRS money on Monday — skipping payment could cost you hundreds of dollars
Biden preparing to offer legal status to undocumented immigrants who have lived in U.S. for 10 years