King Charles’ coronation: Camilla chooses Queen Mary’s Crown, ‘Koh-i-Noor’ jewel drop
LONDON: Britain’s Queen Mother Camilla will wear Queen Mary’s crown at King Charles’s coronation ceremony, without the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond for fear it will recall the past of the British Empire.
The crown has now been removed from display at the Tower of London for refurbishment work ahead of the ceremony in May.
This is the first time in nearly three centuries that an existing crown has been used at a queen’s coronation rather than a new one.
Camilla, who called off her engagement this week after testing positive for COVID-19, is said to have made the decision to wear Queen Mary’s Crown on the grounds of sustainability and efficiency.
The crown was originally commissioned for the coronation of Mary of Teck as Queen at the coronation of King George V, ancestor of the current monarch in 1911.
Some changes and additions will be made by the goldsmith or Royal Jeweler in accordance with tradition, infusing elements of uniqueness mainly to reflect the individual style of the wearer.
Queen Camilla paid tribute to the late Queen by replacing the Koh-i-Noor jewel with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds that are often worn as brooches.
In addition to the diamonds, four of the eight removable crown arches will be removed, giving a different perspective than when worn by Queen Mary at her 1911 coronation.
Meanwhile, St Edward’s Crown, which will be used during the coronation of King Charles, has been put back on display at the Tower of London after its renovation process was completed.
Why is the Koh-i-noor diamond so controversial?
The Koh-i-Noor Jewel was seized by the East India Company in Punjab, northern India, following victory in the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1849.
It was presented to Queen Victoria and has since become part of the crown jewels as well as being one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing 105.6 carats (21.12 g).
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party has reportedly expressed concern that the famous diamond will evoke unwanted images of the British Empire.
The diamond is now on public display at the Jewel House in the Tower of London.
The governments of India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and even the Taliban insurgency have all claimed ownership of the gem and have demanded its return since India gained independence from the British Empire in 1947.
