Preparations are underway for King Charles III’s coronation on 6th May 2023. As per tradition, King Charles will be crowned using the St Edwards Crown, “the most important and sacred of all crowns” in the British Crown Jewels. Made in 22k gold, featuring 444 precious and semi-precious gemstones and weighing 2.23kg, it is truly a sight to behold. Used solely for the moment of coronation, the St Edwards Crown is a reminder of the grandeur and majesty of the coronation ceremony. The magnificent crown has a rich history, dating back over a thousand years to the days of royal saint, King Edward the Confessor.
In 1066, Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England, wearing the original St. Edward's Crown. However, the crown was lost and its whereabouts remained a mystery for centuries. That was, until the coronation of Charles II in 1661, when a new St. Edward's Crown was commissioned and made, using the latest techniques and the finest materials available.
The new St. Edward's Crown was a work of art, crafted from solid gold and adorned with precious gemstones including rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and pearls. It was designed with four crosses pattée and four fleurs-de-lis, with a monde and cross pattée in the center, surrounded by a jeweled rim. It was said that whoever wore it was destined for greatness.
Ever since Charles II, the St. Edward's Crown has been used in almost every British coronation. Some monarchs chose not to wear it because of its weight, in which case it would rest on the high altar.
Today, the St. Edward's Crown remains one of the most valuable and important Crown jewels. It is kept in the Tower of London, under the watchful eye of the Crown Jeweller and the King’s guards, who are responsible for the safekeeping of the Crown jewels. It is only used during the coronation ceremony, where it is placed on the head of the monarch during the anointing and investiture, signifying their ascension to the throne. On the rare occasions the crown is used, it is a spectacle of grandeur and tradition, symbolizing the power and prestige of the British monarchy.
The St Edwards Crown was last worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1953. She was crowned using the St Edwards Crown, and changed to the lighter IMPERIAL STATE CROWN afterwards. King Charles III will likely do the same.
Currently, the St Edwards Crown has been removed from the Tower of London in order to be resized for King Charles III.
