All You Need to Know About the British Coronation Regalia Ahead of King Charles’ Coronation
After 70 years, the British Coronation Regalia will once again be on display for King Charles III’s coronation, marking a significant moment since it was last used during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.
This coronation holds special significance for the people of the United Kingdom, as it has been decades since the public witnessed this ancient ceremony and saw the regalia in action.
According to a Buckingham Palace statement from October 2022, the coronation will maintain its traditional structure that dates back over a millennium. The ceremony is said to “reflect the monarch’s role today and look toward the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.”
What is the Coronation Regalia?
The Coronation Regalia forms part of the world-renowned Crown Jewels, a collection of over a hundred objects and 23,000 gemstones. These sacred items are used during the coronation of kings and queens to represent their powers and duties as sovereign. The Regalia, though small, includes five important objects that symbolize the responsibilities of the monarch.
While the tradition of the coronation dates back nearly a thousand years, the British Coronation Regalia has evolved over time. The custom began with Edward the Confessor, one of England’s final Anglo-Saxon kings, in 1066. His set of regalia was handed down to his successors. However, when the monarchy was abolished in 1649, much of the regalia was destroyed. Upon the monarchy’s restoration in 1661, the regalia was recreated, except for the Coronation Spoon, which remarkably survived the destruction.
1. The Coronation Spoon
Among the crowns and jeweled objects, the Coronation Spoon stands out as one of the most sacred items. It is used in the anointing ceremony, where the monarch is blessed with holy oil, symbolizing divine approval. During Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, this part of the ceremony was so sacred it was not shown on camera.
Though monarchs are no longer seen as divine beings, the spoon is still used to anoint them as leaders of the Church of England. Unlike the heavily adorned regalia, the Coronation Spoon is a simple silver spoon gilded with gold, dating back to the 12th century. After surviving the destruction of the original regalia, it was later returned to Charles II and embellished with pearls along its handle.
Fun Fact: The Coronation Spoon is the only surviving piece of the original regalia, saved by Mr. Kynnersley, an official of the royal wardrobe, during the monarchy’s abolishment.
2. The Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown is perhaps the most recognizable piece of the Coronation Regalia. Created for King George VI’s coronation in 1937, it is adorned with 3,000 precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and pearls. The centerpiece is the 317.40-carat Cullinan II Diamond, one of the largest stones ever found, cut from a 3,601-carat diamond discovered in Africa.
This crown also contains historical gems, such as the Stuart Sapphire and the Black Prince’s Ruby, a spinel worn by Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt. Weighing 2.3 pounds, the crown’s purple velvet and fur complete its iconic appearance.
Fast Fact: King Charles III will wear this crown after his coronation as he leaves Westminster Abbey.
3. The Sovereign’s Scepter
The Sovereign’s Scepter was first introduced by Charles II in 1661, and it holds special significance for King Charles III. Its fame, however, is largely due to George V, who in 1910 added the 530.2-carat Cullinan I Diamond, the largest gem cut from the original Cullinan Diamond.
This scepter is made of gold and adorned with a dazzling array of jewels, including diamonds, emeralds, amethysts, rubies, and sapphires. Its intricate design symbolizes the sovereign’s authority and responsibilities.
Fun Fact: The scepter also features symbols of England, Scotland, and Ireland added by George IV in 1820.
4. The Sovereign’s Orb
The Sovereign’s Orb may seem unusual, but it symbolizes the monarch’s role as head of the Church. Made of two hollow gold hemispheres, the orb is decorated with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds. The gems represent the three continents known in medieval times.
A set of rose-cut diamonds and pearls adorn the cross on top, reinforcing its religious significance.
Fun Fact: A second orb was made for Queen Mary II for her joint coronation with William III in 1689.
5. St. Edward’s Crown
St. Edward’s Crown, recreated in the 1660s, is named after Edward the Confessor, whose original crown was considered a holy relic. Though not an exact replica, this 22-carat gold crown captures the same regal essence.
The crown is decorated with 400 gems, including clusters of diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, set in a design that symbolizes the power and glory of the monarchy.
Fun Fact: This crown is traditionally used to crown British monarchs and will be placed on King Charles III’s head during the coronation.
The British Coronation Regalia is a collection rich in history and tradition, passed down through centuries to symbolize the continuity and enduring legacy of the British monarchy.