11 Intriguing Details About the United Kingdom's Crown Jewels

During Charles III's coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6, a significant collection of items will take center stage: the Crown Jewels. These treasures, many of which are centuries old, are deeply rooted in history and often shrouded in controversy. Discover 11 fascinating facts about this iconic assortment of ceremonial artifacts and royal regalia.

1. The crown used during the coronation ceremony differs from the one typically worn on other occasions.

The monarch possesses multiple crowns. The St. Edward’s Crown, which Charles III will wear at the moment of his crowning, is reserved solely for that purpose. After the ceremony, he will switch to the Imperial State Crown, which is also worn during state events like the annual Opening of Parliament.

2. King John lost a portion of the early Crown Jewels in 1216.

The current Crown Jewels are significantly younger than the monarchy. Legend has it that King John misplaced an early set of the jewels in 1216 while crossing the Wash estuary. Despite numerous efforts over the centuries to recover them, they remain undiscovered.

3. The coronation spoon is the oldest surviving artifact among the Crown Jewels.

The coronation spoon, dating back to the 12th century, is the most ancient artifact in the Crown Jewels collection. It will be used in King Charles III’s coronation, filled with holy oil consecrated in Jerusalem, to anoint the monarch during the ceremony.

4. Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of numerous Crown Jewels.

After the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I, the monarchy was dissolved, and Oliver Cromwell assumed the role of Lord Protector. Cromwell commanded the destruction of the Crown Jewels, including Henry VIII’s crown, which were either melted down or sold. The coronation spoon was spared because its purchaser returned it after the monarchy was reinstated in May 1660.

5. Most of the existing Crown Jewels were crafted after the monarchy’s restoration in the 1660s.

With only a handful of items surviving Cromwell’s destruction, a new collection of Crown Jewels was commissioned after the monarchy’s revival. In 1660, Charles II instructed the creation of a new set, modeled after the lost originals, for his coronation the following year. The bulk of the Crown Jewels in use today originate from this collection.

6. The Scottish Crown Jewels were concealed for protection following the destruction of their English counterparts.

Concerned by the fate of the English Crown Jewels, the Scots hid their own Crown Jewels in various locations across Scotland until the English monarchy was reinstated. The Honours of Scotland were eventually brought back to Edinburgh Castle, where they were forgotten after the unification of England and Scotland into the United Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. They remained undiscovered for centuries until Sir Walter Scott found them at the castle in 1818.

7. A daring attempt to steal the Crown Jewels occurred in 1671.

Just a decade after their creation, the English Crown Jewels faced a significant threat. Thomas Blood, a notorious outlaw of the time, and his accomplices successfully stole St. Edward’s Crown, the Sceptre with Cross, and the Sovereign’s Orb before being captured.

What followed was even more surprising: King Charles II pardoned Blood and awarded him land in Ireland instead of imprisoning him.

8. Two of the world’s largest flawless diamonds are included in the Crown Jewels.

Discovered in 1905 in what is now South Africa, the 3106-carat Cullinan Diamond—the largest uncut diamond ever found—yielded two of the most significant flawless diamonds, now part of the Crown Jewels. Cullinan I, the largest, is set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, while Cullinan II, the second largest, adorns the Imperial State Crown.

9. The inclusion of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond in the Crown Jewels sparks significant debate.

The renowned Koh-i-Noor diamond has occasionally been featured in the crowns of royal women. This gem is steeped in controversy. Originally belonging to the Sikh kingdom in the 19th century, it was forcibly taken by the British East India Company during the Second Anglo-Sikh War. Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India, presented it to the monarchy. Queen Victoria wore it as a brooch after Prince Albert had it recut, and it eventually became part of the Crown Jewels.

In recent years, multiple nations have demanded ownership of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond, but the British government has declined to return it. The royal family is well aware of the controversy, as they have stated that the diamond will not feature in the crown worn by Camilla, Queen Consort, during the coronation.

10. During World War II, the Crown Jewels were concealed in a biscuit tin beneath Windsor Castle.

The dangers of World War II, including bombings and the potential Nazi invasion, prompted creative measures to protect national treasures. Gemstones from the Crown Jewels were hidden in a biscuit tin and buried under Windsor Castle, where they stayed throughout the war. This unusual hiding place was disclosed in the 2018 documentary The Coronation.

11. The Crown Jewels will embark on a virtual tour across the UK.

Following the coronation, the Crown Jewels will be showcased in two formats: they will be on physical display at the Tower of London, while also being accessible virtually through a traveling exhibition of projections at 57 locations throughout the UK.