Calling all royal fans! An unmissable new exhibit at the Tower of London is showcasing some of the most valuable royal crown jewels including those worn by King Charles and Queen Camilla during their May 6th coronation.
The new exhibit, which opens on June 2nd, will display Charles’ set of coronation crowns and his regalia like the sceptre and orb. Visitors can also view Queen Camilla’s refashioned Queen Mary’s crown, which was originally made by Garrard for the 1911 coronation, commissioned by Queen Mary, the consort of King George V and Charles’ great-grandmother.
Other items on display from the coronation include the anointing spoon and ampulla, ceremonial maces and coronation swords – including the Sword of State, held by Member of Parliament Penny Mordau – as well as other royal treasures like the crown frames made for King George I, King George IV, and Queen Victoria.
According to curators at Historic Royal Palaces, the exhibit was actually planned prior to the passing of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September of 2022, and now offers visitors an exciting chance to hear the nuanced stories behind the precious crown jewels on display using visual projections. This includes the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has been considered a “symbol of conquest” and a Cullinan stone – the largest rough diamond ever found – sourced from South Africa.
Charles Farris, public historian at Historic Royal Palaces and curator of the upcoming exhibit, commented, “There is an important cultural and historical thread that goes through all of these jewels, and it is part of the continuing cultural historical significance of the collection. From their origins to their use during the Coronation ceremony, the new Jewel House transformation will present the rich history of this magnificent collection with more depth and detail than ever before.
With 2023 witnessing the first Coronation in 70 years, there has never been a better time for people to come and learn about the jewels and to appreciate these awe-inspiring objects in person.”
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