The Coronation of King Charles: Celebrating Rich British History and Tradition

As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming coronation of King Charles, one can't help but wonder about the crown he will wear during the ceremony. For centuries, crowns have served as symbols of power, tradition, and the monarchy itself. As one of the most important and visually striking elements of the coronation, the crown worn by King Charles will hold immense significance for both the British monarchy and the people of the United Kingdom. In this blog post, we will delve into the history of the crown traditionally used in English coronations, explore any changes made for King Charles's coronation, and examine the symbolism behind this treasured artifact. Join us on this journey to discover the crown that will grace the head of King Charles during his coronation.

The Crown of St. Edward

The Crown of St. Edward, also known as the Coronation Crown or the King's Crown, is the crown traditionally used in English coronations. It is named after King Edward the Confessor, who is said to have been buried with a similar crown in 1066.

The Crown of St. Edward that is used today was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661. It is made of gold and weighs 2.23 kg. The crown has a velvet cap with ermine trim and is adorned with 444 precious and semi-precious stones, including amethysts, sapphires, and tourmalines. It also features four crosses pattée and four fleurs-de-lis, which represent the union of the two kingdoms of England and France.

The Crown of St. Edward has been worn by every British monarch since Charles II, with the exception of William IV, who chose to be crowned with a smaller, lighter crown. Some of the most notable coronations where the Crown of St. Edward was worn include Queen Victoria in 1838, King George VI in 1937, and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The design of the Crown of St. Edward is intended to symbolize the monarch's connection to God and the divine right of kings. The crosses on the crown represent the crucifixion of Jesus, while the fleurs-de-lis represent the monarch's claim to the throne of France. The crown also features an arch, which is meant to symbolize the covenant between God and the monarch, and a cross pattée on top, which represents the triumph of the Christian faith.

Overall, the Crown of St. Edward is a breathtaking symbol of British monarchy and has played a significant role in the country's history. Its rich history and symbolism are a testament to the enduring power and importance of the British monarchy.

Changes to the Crown for King Charles's Coronation

While the Crown of St. Edward has been used in numerous coronation ceremonies throughout British history, it is not always the exact same crown that is worn each time. In fact, some changes are often made to the crown for each new monarch's coronation. King Charles's coronation will be no exception, as there will be some modifications made to the Crown of St. Edward for his special day.

One of the most notable changes that will be made to the crown is the addition of a new velvet cap. This new cap will be made from silk velvet and will feature a new emblem for King Charles. The emblem will be a combination of the traditional royal crown and the Prince of Wales's feathers, representing Charles's position as both king and Prince of Wales.

Another significant change to the crown will be the addition of a new band, which will feature a new inscription that reflects King Charles's personal motto. The motto, which is "I serve," will be engraved on the band in Latin.

These changes to the Crown of St. Edward are not simply cosmetic. They are symbolic of the new reign of King Charles and his unique identity as a monarch. The addition of the Prince of Wales's feathers to the emblem is a nod to Charles's history and background, while the new motto reflects his personal values and beliefs.

In addition to these changes, the Crown of St. Edward will also undergo some restoration work in preparation for King Charles's coronation. The crown will be cleaned and repaired as needed to ensure that it is in pristine condition for the ceremony.

Overall, the changes being made to the Crown of St. Edward for King Charles's coronation are significant and meaningful. They are a reflection of the new monarch's identity and values, and they serve as a reminder of the ongoing importance and symbolism of the British monarchy.

Other Crowns of the British Monarchy

While the Crown of St. Edward is the most famous crown associated with the British monarchy, it is not the only crown in the Crown Jewels collection. Other notable crowns include the Imperial State Crown and the Queen Mother's Crown.

The Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament, and it is considered to be the most magnificent crown in the collection. It was first made for King Charles II in 1661 and has been worn by every British monarch since Queen Victoria. The crown is adorned with over 3,000 precious stones, including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls, and is topped with a cross and a large sapphire known as the Stuart Sapphire.

The Queen Mother's Crown, on the other hand, was made specifically for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in 1937. It features a distinctive floral design and is set with over 2,000 diamonds. The crown is worn by the Queen Mother's successor, the late Queen Elizabeth II, on certain formal occasions.

These other crowns play a significant role in the monarchy's history and are symbols of the wealth and power of the British royal family. They are also significant in their own right, as they are associated with important events and occasions throughout the monarchy's history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Crown of St. Edward is a vital symbol of the British monarchy and its long-standing traditions. It has been worn by every British monarch since Charles II and is imbued with rich history and symbolism. The modifications made to the crown for King Charles's coronation reflect his unique identity as a monarch and signify a new chapter in British history.

The coronation ceremony is a significant event for the monarchy and the people of the United Kingdom. It is a time to celebrate the country's rich history and traditions and to look forward to the future under the new monarch's leadership. The Crown of St. Edward is a powerful symbol of the monarchy's enduring importance, and its use in the coronation ceremony is a reminder of the continued significance of the British royal family.