As we eagerly await the coronation of the next monarch, the excitement only continues to grow as each day draws closer to this historic event. One of the most anticipated components of the coronation is the regal attire and precious symbols that the King will wear and hold. From royal crowns to scepters and orbs, these symbols represent key aspects of the monarch’s reign and hold deep historical significance. In this article, we will delve into the intricate details of the crowns, scepters, and other elements of the coronation, discussing their meaning and significance for the monarch and the British monarchy as a whole.
The coronation of King Charles III on 6 May will be an extraordinary event, steeped in history and tradition, and will put on display the crown jewels of the Tower of London, considered the most valuable objects in the British Royal Collection. The regalia for the ceremony includes the St Edward’s Crown, the Imperial State Crown, and the Queen Mary’s crown, as well as an ampulla and spoon, swords, sceptres, armills, and the sovereign’s orb and ring.
The St Edward’s Crown is a solid gold, 2.23kg (nearly 5lbs) crown, set with precious stones and fringed with ermine, that will be worn by the King at the moment of crowning. The Imperial State Crown is another impressive piece, worn on formal occasions by the monarch, and set with 2,868 diamonds as well as 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls. The Queen Consort will wear Queen Mary’s crown and will carry out her duties as Queen Camilla.
One of the most sacred objects in the coronation ceremony is the 12th-century spoon, used for the anointing of the monarch with holy oil. The spoon, considered a “great survivor”, is the oldest object used in the coronation and is almost all that remains from regalia melted down in 1649 during the English Civil War. The archbishop pours oil from the ampulla into the spoon, and the oil is then poured onto the head, breast, and hands of the monarch as part of the anointing ceremony.
The regalia also includes three swords: the swords of mercy, spiritual justice, and temporal justice. They are carried upright and unsheathed in the coronation procession into Westminster Abbey and symbolize royal powers and responsibilities. The jewelled sword of offering, spurs, and armills are also part of the ceremony, with the spurs representing the knightly values of protecting the weak and the church, and the armills symbolizing the bond the monarch has with their people and the values of sincerity and wisdom.
The coronation regalia also includes two sceptres: the sceptre with cross, which represents temporal and spiritual power, and the sceptre with dove, which represents spiritual power, with the dove symbolizing the holy spirit. The sovereign’s orb, a symbol of the globe, divided into the three continents known to England in medieval times, represents worldly and Christian power. Finally, the sovereign’s ring, featuring rubies set in the shape of a St George’s cross on top of a sapphire, symbolizes the monarch’s commitment to their people and the church.
The coronation of King Charles III is a rare opportunity to witness the ceremonial objects that have been cherished by monarchs for hundreds of years. The symbols and objects in the regalia demonstrate the continuity of the British monarchy and their significance to the nation.
As the day of the coronation draws near, people across the world eagerly await the coronation of their new monarch. Alongside the lavish ceremonies, exquisite jewels, and luxurious garments, the coronation is a spectacle that celebrates a nation’s history and traditions. From traditional crowning ceremonies to the majestic garbs, every aspect of the coronation has a rich significance that reflects the values and beliefs of the country. The coronation highlights the importance of heritage and legacy, with every crowned head, representing a new chapter in a country’s history. The monarch’s attire and regalia symbolize the authority, power, and prestige they hold, making the coronation a truly grand celebration. As we await the next coronation, we can look back at the rich history of the ceremony, knowing the future holds even greater things.
