THE Crown Jewels are ceremonial treasures worn by Kings and Queens.
Here we take a look at who will carry the royal objects on King Charles III’s coronation on May 6.
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Who carries the Crown Jewels?
It is yet to be confirmed who will carry the Crown Jewels for King Charles III’s coronation.
However, for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, they were carried into the Abbey by the appointed peers, interspersed with Irish and Scottish Heralds and English and Scottish Great Officers of State.
It is likely to be this case again, but once we have an update, we will let you know.
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.
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.
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 most recently used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
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, he will own the jewels.
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.