Who carries the Crown Jewels during the Coronation?
THE Crown Jewels are known as the nation's treasures.
But who will carry the royal objects on King Charles III's Coronation on May 6? Here's the lowdown.
Who carries the Crown Jewels?
The Crown Jewels for King Charles' coronation will be carried by appointed peers from the House of Lords and Senior Bishops in the Anglican Church.
They will also be presented by peers from non-Christian faith traditions.
Each contribution confirms the mutual interdependence as neighbours of any faith tradition or belief.
King Charles has requested that he is gifted with these instruments of state by all people, not just the Christian Church.
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Where are the Crown Jewels kept?
The Crown Jewels refer to a collection of more than 100 objects and 23,000 gemstones.
They have been stored safely at the Tower of London since the 1600s and are kept under armed guard in the Jewel House.
However, during World War II they were kept in a biscuit tin and secreted beneath Windsor Castle in order to stop them from falling into the hands of the Nazis.
The medieval coronation regalia were kept at Westminster Abbey, but in 1649 they were brought to the Tower of London and destroyed after the execution of Charles I.
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Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, and new regalia was made for his coronation the following year.
To this day these remain the heart of the Crown Jewels collection.
Items from the collection only leave the Tower of London for ceremonies like the State Opening of Parliament, coronations, and royal baptisms.
When were the Crown Jewels made?
Most of the collection dates from just after the Restoration of King Charles II in 1660.
There are a few older items including the Coronation Spoon which dates to the 12th century.
More recent additions to the collection include the Imperial State Crown, which was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI, replacing the crown made for Queen Victoria in 1838.
The Coronation Regalia were last used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
On the Coronation, Camilla, the Queen Consort, wore one of the royal heirloom brooches as well as a crown featuring the Koh-i-Noor, according to : "The brooch was a Diamond Jubilee gift for Queen Victoria from eight of her grandchildren. The diamond and sapphire jewels were seen as a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II and her years of service."
Does King Charles own the Crown Jewels?
The Crown Jewels are held in trust by the King or Queen for the nation.
They are then passed to the next monarch on their accession when they are crowned.
This means that when King Charles is officially crowned on May 6, 2023, he will own the jewels.
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The new King is expected to wear the St Edward's Crown followed by but the Imperial State Crown for his coronation.
The Imperial State Crown, which the Queen wore in her famous Coronation photograph, is estimated to cost more than £ 3 billion.