During yesterday’s historic committal service, which saw Queen Elizabeth II laid to rest, the Crown Jewels – the Imperial State Crown adorned with over 3,000 gemstones, the Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre – were lifted from the late monarch’s coffin by the Crown Jeweller.
With the help of the Bargemaster and Serjeants-at-Arms, the Crown Jewels were then passed to the Dean who placed them on the High Altar.
These objects represent the responsibilities and governance of the monarch, so their removal separated the Queen from her crown for the final time.
Crafted in gold and set with 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and four rubies, the Imperial State Crown was the crown worn by the Queen when she left Westminster Abbey after her coronation
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross has been used at every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661. While, the Sovereign’s Orb – a golden cross mounted on a globe – also dates back to 1661 and is intended to remind the monarch that their power comes from God.
At the conclusion of the service, Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, then broke his wand of office which was then placed on the casket, symbolising the end of the Queen’s reign.
Alongside the symbolic objects, her coffin was topped with flowers picked from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Highgrove and Clarence House.
Like this? Here’s all you need to know about the Imperial State Crown
