19/09/2022
Queen Elizabeth's glittering crown: Everything you need to know about the crown resting atop her coffin
Those who watched Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession today will have taken notice of the glittering crown that rests atop her coffin.
The crown, which is joined by her royal septre and orb, are part of what is named 'the crown jewels'.
The crown's official name is the Imperial State Crown. These jewels are symbols of the royal family and of the reigning monarch, and are worn at coronations, as well as state events such as the opening of parliament.
The crown itself is a dazzling display of jewels and craftsmanship. Set around a rich purple velvet base and ermine trim are around 3,000 precious stones, which reportedly include 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and five rubies.
At its centre sits the Cullinan II diamond, which weighs in at 317 carats and was cut from the largest diamond ever found.
At the very centre of the cross at the top sits the ‘St Edward’s Sapphire,’ said to be the oldest gem in the royal collection.
According to various histories, the sapphire was worn in a ring by St Edward the Confessor, who reigned as King of England in the 11th century.
Meanwhile, above the Cullinan diamond sits the 'Black Prince's Ruby,' worn by Henry V during the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
The Imperial State Crown was made in 1937 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth's father, King George VI, and was then worn by the then-Princess Elizabeth for her coronation in 1953.
It is not known whether the new King Charles III will wear this exact crown for its upcoming coronation, which is set to be held around a year from now.
On the topic of its worth, royal expert Alastair Bruce named it as 'priceless'. "Calling it priceless is sensible, but you can just add as many zeros as there are diamonds in the collection," he said of the crown.
Meanwhile, other experts are happy to give it a rough estimation, alleging it could be worth a
