Current:Home > StocksBow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels -Ascend Finance Compass
Bow Down to These Dazzling Facts About the Crown Jewels
View
Date:2025-04-12 18:45:11
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! (43185)
Related
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Proof Julia Roberts and Danny Moder Are Closer Than Ever After 22 Years of Marriage
- Wisconsin Supreme Court changes course, will allow expanded use of ballot drop boxes this fall
- Selena Gomez's Latest PDA Pic With Boyfriend Benny Blanco Will Make You Blush
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- The U.S. celebrates July 4, but independence from Britain is marked around the globe. Here's a look at how and when different countries celebrate.
- Shilo Sanders' bankruptcy case: How alleged actions in youth led to $11 million debt
- Proof Julia Roberts and Danny Moder Are Closer Than Ever After 22 Years of Marriage
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Summer House's Paige DeSorbo Reacts to Her Manifestation of Lindsay Hubbard's Pregnancy
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Shark attack on South Padre Island, Texas leaves 2 injured, 2 others report encounters
- 2 dead and 9 injured after truck strikes group celebrating July 4 in Manhattan park
- 2024 U.K. election is set to overhaul British politics. Here's what to know as Labour projected to win.
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- A Florida woman posed as a social worker. No one caught on until she died.
- With elite power and speed, Bron Breakker is poised to be a major WWE star
- How a 'hungry' Mia Goth revamped the horror final girl in 'MaXXXine'
Recommendation
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
What's open and closed on July 4th? See which stores and restaurants are operating today.
Who won Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024? Meet the victors.
World Aquatics executive subpoenaed by US government in probe of Chinese doping scandal
Why members of two of EPA's influential science advisory committees were let go
Does Dad of 4 Boys Michael Phelps Want to Try for a Baby Girl? He Says…
Lynx forward, Olympian Napheesa Collier injures foot
Philadelphia mass shooting leaves 8 people injured, 1 dead; no arrests made, police say