The late Queen Elizabeth II’s iconic diamond crown, worth an estimated £800,000, is set to be passed down to Catherine, the new Princess of Wales.
This rare diamond diadem headpiece holds immense symbolism and has been worn by Queen Elizabeth II on numerous significant occasions throughout her reign.
From her first state opening of Parliament in 1952 to her coronation in 1953, the Queen adorned this crown for all state openings and official photographs, including those used for British and Commonwealth coinage, banknotes, and postage stamps.
Commissioned by George IV in 1820, the diamond crown was created by renowned jewellers Rundell and Bridge at a cost of £8,216.
It was later reset with jewels from the Royal Collection for Queen Victoria.
Today, it is considered one of the rarest pieces in the Crown Jewels Collection and is valued at nearly £800,000.
Since George IV’s passing in 1830, every Queen and Queen Consort, starting from Queen Adelaide, the wife of William IV, have had the honor of wearing this exquisite diadem.
As King Charles III’s wife, Queen Consort Camilla, is next in line to wear the diamond diadem, she may don it for the upcoming coronation in May.
However, once Prince William ascends to the throne, his wife Catherine will inherit Camilla’s title of Queen Consort.
This means that the Princess of Wales will also have the privilege of wearing the prized diamond diadem.
Described by the Royal Collection Trust, the diamond diadem is a silver and gold-lined headpiece with an openwork frame adorned with transparent diamonds.
It features a narrow band embellished with pearls and is surmounted by four crosses and four sprays representing the national emblems of England, Ireland, Scotland, roses, shamrocks, and thistles.
The crown is set with a total of 1,333 diamonds, including a 4-carat pale yellow brilliant at the center of the front cross.
The significance of this iconic crown is evident in its presence in various portraits of Queen Elizabeth II.
Artists such as Lucian Freud and Raphael McClough have depicted the Queen wearing the diadem in their paintings, which have been featured on Commonwealth coinage.
Additionally, the crown has graced the banknotes of most Commonwealth realms.
During ceremonies in Westminster Hall, George IV wore the crown over a large velvet Spanish hat.
However, Queen Elizabeth II preferred to wear it on its own.
The Royal Collection Trust reveals that the original cost of the diadem included an additional £800 charge for the diamonds.
Interestingly, there is no evidence to suggest that the stones were ever disturbed or returned to the jewellers, Rundell and Bridge.
It is also unclear whether the King outright purchased the stones, leading to speculation about a discreet barter of old stones from George IV’s extensive collection.
In conclusion, the rare and exquisite diamond diadem, valued at £800,000, will soon be passed down to Catherine, the new Princess of Wales.
This iconic crown holds immense historical and symbolic significance, having been worn by Queen Elizabeth II on numerous momentous occasions.