Queen Consort To Re-Set Royal Crown With $50 Million Worth Of Diamonds
No doubt a flurry has descended upon Buckingham Palace, as the Royal Family prepares for King Charles III’s coronation just two months away. As the event approaches, a piece of royal headwear has been unveiled for the ceremony.
On May 6, 2023, Queen Consort Camilla will don a crown originally created for Queen Mary all the way back in 1911. Though this time, the headgear will be redesigned to feature jewels from Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection worth US$50 million.
According to the palace, the crown has been taken down from its display at the Tower of London to undergo modification work, and re-set by the Crown Jeweller to include the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds.
Her late Majesty often wore the three precious stones—which have previously been incorporated into the same crown—as brooches. They were originally carved from the Cullinan, the largest rough diamond ever found that weighed over 3,000 carats.
Aside from the addition of the jewels, which weigh 94.4 carats, 63.6 carats, and 18.8 carats respectively, four of the crown’s detachable arches will be removed to create a different silhouette from the original.
Interestingly, this is the first instance in recent history where the coronation of a Queen Consort would feature an existing crown rather than a brand-new commission.
The palace said the Royal Family’s considerations centered around sustainability and efficiency, only electing to make minor adjustments and additions so that the crown is unique to the occasion and “reflects the Consort’s individual style.”
In tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Crown will be reset with the Cullinan Ill, IV and V diamonds.
— royal courtier (@CourtierRoyal) February 14, 2023
Four of the Crown's eight detachable arches will be removed to create a different impression to when it was worn in 1911. pic.twitter.com/GogZS6uRhd
Revealed 👑
— Royalinstablog (@royalinstablog) February 14, 2023
Queen Camilla will be crowned using the Queen Mary's crown.
The Cullinan 3, 4 and 5 diamonds on the brooches of Queen Elizabeth will be used on the crown to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/nZ6N6DIiQT
[via Robb Report and The Royal Household, images via various sources]
