Key Takeaways on the British Royal Regalia
The British Royal Regalia signifies power and legitimacy of rulers. Worn at coronation ceremonies, the British Crown Jewels includes more than 100 items, like the ruby-embellished crowns and a scepter with the world's largest diamond.
The Royal Collection Trust maintains the British Royal Regalia. Included in the collection are orbs, scepters, and crowns housed at the Tower of London today, which continue to be used during monumental royal occasions, such as the crowning of a new king or queen.
Weighing nearly 5 pounds, the St. Edward’s Crown is perhaps the most recognizable member of the crown jewels. Encrusted with rubies, amethysts, and sapphires, it was also made for the coronation of Charles II to replace the formerly destroyed medieval crown. Most recently, the solid-grown crown was used for the coronation of King Charles in 2023.
For over nine centuries, British kings and queens have undertaken their ceremonial coronations adorned in royal regalia, serving as symbolic representations of their monarchical authority.
Ruby-embellished crowns, a scepter bedazzled with the world’s largest diamond, and an orb bejeweled by rubies are just a few of the sacred accessories accompanying the world’s wealthiest, most powerful people on their crowning day.
