Sun, Nov 10, 2024 | Jumada al-Awwal 8, 1446 | DXB ktweather icon0°C

Britain's Camilla will not wear disputed Koh-i-Noor diamond for coronation

The Koh-i-Noor, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, was taken from India by the East India Company during the colonial era and presented to Queen Victoria

Published: Tue 14 Feb 2023, 6:40 PM

Updated: Tue 14 Feb 2023, 7:27 PM

  • By
  • Reuters

Top Stories

An undated handout image of Queen Mary's Crown which has been removed from display at the Tower of London for modification work ahead of the Coronation of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6, in London, Britain, in this handout released on February 14, 2023. Queen Mary's Crown will be used for the Coronation of Britain's Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. — AFP

An undated handout image of Queen Mary's Crown which has been removed from display at the Tower of London for modification work ahead of the Coronation of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla on May 6, in London, Britain, in this handout released on February 14, 2023. Queen Mary's Crown will be used for the Coronation of Britain's Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey. — AFP

Camilla, wife of Britain's King Charles, will wear the crown of Queen Mary for her coronation in May, Buckingham Palace said, avoiding the use of a crown featuring the disputed 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond which India has demanded be returned.

The Koh-i-Noor, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, was taken from India by the East India Company during the colonial era and presented to Queen Victoria. It is set in a crown last worn by Charles's grandmother during her coronation.

Pakistan, part of British-ruled India, and Afghanistan have also claimed ownership of it since Indian independence in 1947.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on February 02, 2023 Britain's Camilla, Queen Consort reacts during her visit to Coram Beanstalk in London, where she met with staff, volunteers and young readers for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the charity. Britain's Queen Consort Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said on February 13, 2023, the second time she has caught the disease. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP)

(FILES) In this file photo taken on February 02, 2023 Britain's Camilla, Queen Consort reacts during her visit to Coram Beanstalk in London, where she met with staff, volunteers and young readers for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the charity. Britain's Queen Consort Camilla, the wife of King Charles III, has tested positive for coronavirus, Buckingham Palace said on February 13, 2023, the second time she has caught the disease. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / POOL / AFP)

Camilla will wear the Queen Mary crown, commissioned and worn by the consort of King George V for the 1911 coronation. Some changes will be made to it, the palace said, to inset jewels unique to the occasion and to reflect her own style.

"The choice of Queen Mary’s Crown by Her Majesty is the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the Coronation of a Consort instead of a new commission being made, in the interests of sustainability and efficiency," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Charles automatically became king of 15 realms, including Canada, New Zealand and Australia, on the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth in September, but his and queen consort Camilla's official coronation will take place on May 6 at London's Westminster Abbey.

The Queen Mary crown will be reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth, the palace said. The diamonds were part of her personal collection and were often worn by her as broaches.

Four of the crown's eight detachable arches will also be removed, the palace said. The crown was taken off display at the Tower of London for the modification work to be carried out.

The last time a queen consort’s crown was re-used was in the 18th century.



Next Story