The Seven Secrets Of Queen Elizabeth II's Crown: What Happened To The Imperial State Crown After Her Death?
Contents
The Imperial State Crown: A Biography of Britain’s Most Famous Jewel
The term "Crown of Elizabeth II" most often refers to the Imperial State Crown, the piece she wore annually for the State Opening of Parliament and on her departure from Westminster Abbey following her Coronation. It is a crown of immense weight, history, and complexity, distinct from the heavier St Edward's Crown used only for the moment of crowning. The current version of the Imperial State Crown was initially created in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, but its design is based on the crown made for Queen Victoria in 1838. It underwent a slight modification for Queen Elizabeth II's 1953 Coronation to reduce its height and weight, better suiting her stature. This crown is not a static museum piece; it is a working symbol of the monarchy, steeped in the continuous history of the United Kingdom.Key Profile and Components:
- Creation Date: Current version made in 1937 for King George VI.
- Base Material: Gold, silver, and purple velvet cap with an ermine band.
- Weight: Approximately 1.06 kg (2.3 lb).
- Total Gemstones: 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 4 rubies, and 269 pearls.
- Current Location: The Jewel House at the Tower of London.
- Primary Use by Elizabeth II: State Opening of Parliament, and carried on her coffin.
The Seven Legendary Gems Embedded in the Crown of Elizabeth II
The true value and mystique of the Imperial State Crown lie in the historical gemstones it holds, each with a turbulent and often controversial past. These jewels are not merely decorative; they are individual entities that hold centuries of European and global history.1. The Cullinan II Diamond (The Second Star of Africa):
This massive cushion-cut diamond, weighing 317.4 carats, is mounted on the front band of the crown. It is the second-largest cut section of the original Cullinan Diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found, discovered in South Africa in 1905. The diamond’s presence highlights the historical ties and controversies related to the British Empire and its colonial acquisitions.2. The Black Prince's Ruby:
Positioned prominently on the front cross pattee, this gem is perhaps the most famous and misleading of the collection. Despite its name, it is not a ruby but a large, uncut, 170-carat spinel. Its history is extraordinary, dating back to the 14th century, and it is said to have been owned by the last Muslim King of Granada before being given to Edward, the Black Prince, in 1367. It has even survived being stolen and later recovered during the English Civil War.3. St Edward's Sapphire:
Set in the center of the cross on top of the crown, this sapphire is the oldest jewel in the entire Crown Jewels collection. Legend states it was taken from the ring of Edward the Confessor, a Saxon King of England who died in 1066.4. The Stuart Sapphire:
A large, oval-cut sapphire of 104 carats, it is set at the back of the crown. Its name comes from the Stuart dynasty, as it was smuggled out of England by King James II when he fled during the Glorious Revolution of 1688. It was eventually returned to the Crown in the 19th century.5. The Four Pearls:
Suspended from the cap of the crown are four large, pear-shaped pearls, known as Queen Elizabeth I's Earrings. While the exact provenance is debated, they are traditionally believed to have belonged to the Tudor Queen.6. Queen Victoria's Sapphire:
This jewel, set beneath the Black Prince's Ruby, was reportedly a favorite of Queen Victoria and was given to her by her husband, Prince Albert.7. The Cross Pattee Diamonds:
The arches of the crown are topped with four crosses pattee, each set with a large diamond and a central pearl, contributing to the crown’s overall majestic silhouette.The Final Journey: The Crown's Role After Queen Elizabeth II’s Death
The world watched in September 2022 as the Imperial State Crown, along with the Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre, was placed on the Queen's coffin, symbolizing her reign and the transfer of power. This was the final time the crown was used in direct association with Queen Elizabeth II.The Removal Ceremony and Transfer of Sovereignty:
In a deeply symbolic moment during the committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, the Crown was removed from the coffin by the Crown Jeweller. This act physically and ceremonially broke the final link between the late monarch and the symbols of her sovereignty. It signified that the Crown Jewels, which belong to the institution of the Crown and not to the individual person, were now officially transferred to the care of the new monarch, King Charles III. The Crown Jewels were then taken back to the Tower of London, where they are kept in the highly secure Jewel House and are available for public viewing. Their removal from the coffin marked the end of an era and the seamless constitutional transition of power to the new King.The Other Crowns: St Edward's and the George IV State Diadem
While the Imperial State Crown dominated her reign, Queen Elizabeth II was associated with several other pieces of regalia, each serving a unique constitutional or ceremonial purpose, further establishing the topical authority of the British Monarchy.St Edward's Crown: The Coronation Crown
This is the most sacred and important of the crowns, used only for the moment of crowning during a coronation ceremony. The original crown of Edward the Confessor was destroyed in 1649 during the Commonwealth period. The current St Edward's Crown was made for Charles II in 1661. It is significantly heavier than the Imperial State Crown, weighing 2.23 kilograms, and is set with 444 stones, though these are hired for the ceremony and replaced with the permanent stones afterward. Queen Elizabeth II wore this crown only once, on June 2, 1953, the day of her Coronation.The George IV State Diadem: The Processional Crown
Also known simply as the Diamond Diadem, this piece is technically not a crown but a diadem. It is, however, one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry worn by Queen Elizabeth II, as she wore it on the journey to and from the State Opening of Parliament. Created in 1820 for King George IV, it is set with 1,333 diamonds and features roses, shamrocks, and thistles—the national symbols of England, Ireland, and Scotland. It was the first piece of regalia she wore in public after her accession in 1952. The enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth II is intrinsically linked to these magnificent crowns. From the ancient St Edward's Sapphire to the controversial Cullinan II Diamond, the jewels tell a story of empire, power, and tradition. Today, the Imperial State Crown rests securely in the Tower of London, awaiting its next ceremonial appearance, a silent testament to the continuity of the British Royal Family and the 70-year reign of its longest-serving monarch.
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