Fit for a King or Queen: Examining the Ornate Crowns of the British Royal Family

The British Royal Family has a rich history dating back hundreds of years, and with that history comes a collection of iconic and ornate crowns that have become synonymous with the monarchy. From the Coronation Crown to the Imperial State Crown, these crowns are steeped in tradition and are some of the most recognizable symbols of British royalty. In this article, we will explore five of the most famous crowns belonging to the British Royal Family.

The St. Edward's Crown

The St. Edward's Crown is arguably the most iconic of all the crowns belonging to the British Royal Family. This crown is named after King Edward the Confessor, who was canonized as a saint in the 12th century, and is believed to have been worn by every monarch during their coronation since Charles II in 1661. The crown is made of solid gold and features a total of 444 precious stones, including amethysts, sapphires, and tourmalines. At the top of the crown is a large, velvet-covered cap, which is lined with ermine fur.

One interesting fact about the St. Edward's Crown is that it is only worn during the actual coronation ceremony, after which it is returned to the Tower of London for safekeeping. This is in contrast to other crowns, such as the Imperial State Crown, which are worn on other ceremonial occasions.

The Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown is another iconic crown belonging to the British Royal Family. This crown was first made in 1838 for the coronation of Queen Victoria and has since been worn by every monarch during their coronation ceremony. The crown is made of gold and is set with over 3,000 precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. At the top of the crown is the famous Black Prince's Ruby, which is actually a large spinel stone.

The Imperial State Crown is often worn by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament, which takes place annually. It is also on display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, where it can be viewed by members of the public.

The Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother

The Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother is a relatively modern addition to the collection of crowns belonging to the British Royal Family. This crown was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI and was subsequently worn by his wife, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The crown is made of platinum and is set with diamonds, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Following the Queen Mother's death in 2002, the crown was inherited by her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II. It is on display at the Tower of London and is one of the most popular exhibits in the Jewel House.

The Coronation Crown of George IV

The Coronation Crown of George IV is another iconic crown belonging to the British Royal Family. This crown was made in 1821 for the coronation of King George IV and is made of gold and silver, with a total of 12,314 diamonds, emeralds, and other precious stones. The crown features a large, velvet-covered cap and is topped with a cross and orb.

One interesting fact about the Coronation Crown of George IV is that it was only worn once, during his coronation ceremony in 1821. The crown was later redesigned by Queen Victoria and became the State Crown, which is still worn by the monarch on certain ceremonial occasions.

The Tudor Crown

The Tudor Crown is one of the oldest crowns belonging to the British Royal Family, dating back to the reign of Henry VII in the late 15th century. This crown is made of gold and is set with a total of 344 pearls, 267 rose-cut diamonds, and 3 rubies. The crown also features a large, velvet-covered cap, which is adorned with ermine fur.

The Tudor Crown was used by monarchs during the Tudor period, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. However, it was eventually dismantled and its jewels were used to create other crowns. Today, only fragments of the original Tudor Crown remain, including the gold base and some of the pearls and diamonds.

Conclusion

The crowns belonging to the British Royal Family are not just ornate pieces of jewelry but also symbols of tradition, history, and power. From the iconic St. Edward's Crown to the relatively modern Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, each crown has its own unique story and significance. Whether they are worn only during coronation ceremonies or on other ceremonial occasions, these crowns continue to capture the imagination of people all over the world and are a testament to the enduring legacy of the British monarchy.