It’s one of the oldest and storied item
in the Crown Jewels, the Sovereign’s Orb. Created in 1661 by Sir
Robert Vyner for Charles II’s coronation, the orb is a hollow gold
sphere with a cross on top. It symbolizes the monarch’s Christian
sovereignty and their position as head of the Church of England.
The orb weighs 1.32 kg (3lbs.) and is bejeweled with bands of nine
emeralds, 18…
Why one part of Westminster Abbey was specially designed for coronations
26th April 2023
For those who have toured London’s
Westminster Abbey, you might notice a particularly spacious area.
Or maybe you’ve seen it during other royal events at The Abbey on
TV such as the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, or the
funeral of Her Late Majesty…
It’s been nearly 90 years since the
United Kingdom crowned its last King, King George VI. And the
outfit worn by George on 12 May 1937 might give us an idea of how
King Charles III may dress when he is crowned on 6 May, and how he
could follow tradition. As he…
It was a wedding that changed the course
of royal history. When Albert, Duke of York married Lady Elizabeth
Bowes-Lyon on April 26th 1923 at Westminster Abbey, a partnership
that would prove vital to the very survival of the British Monarchy
was cemented. The couple, and those watching as they wed, had no
idea of just how significant the day would prove to be. For this
turned out to be a…
The duke who made sure part of the Crown Jewels were removed from coronations
24th April 2023
The Jewel House at the Tower of London is
home to the Crown Jewels, part of which includes a total of sixteen
silver trumpets, dating back to 1780, also known as the state
trumpets. However, only one of the trumpets is on display for
visitors to see. Seven of these…
The modern brides of the House of Kent
have all made history with their royal marriages in one way or
another and the gowns they wore on their big day are certainly
memorable. Two took centre stage in some of the most ancient
churches in England while another was worn at a…
The Crown Jewels are the most sacred and
special jewellery and regalia at the disposal of the monarch, and
they are stored permanently at the Tower of London unless otherwise
needed for state occasions, such as a coronation. In total, there
are 142 objects with over 23,000 gemstones that make up the Crown
Jewels, from crowns, sceptres, and orbs to swords, maces, and
trumpets that are never…
During the Coronation Service of King
Charles III, a Bible will be presented to him as his first gift.
The presentation of the Bible has been a part of every Coronation
since Mary II and William III in 1689. King Charles will receive
one that is specially made for his…
A crucial part of any Coronation is the
oath that the new Sovereign takes. Just like the ceremony itself,
the oath that is part of it has changed throughout the centuries,
according to historical context and the will of the Monarch. The
last big change to the…
The oldest surviving royal wedding dress
in Britain is now on show for the first time in a decade. The gown
worn by Princess Charlotte of Wales, the House of Hanover’s missing
queen, is on display at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace as
part of a new summer exhibition. Princess Charlotte of Wales was
second in line to the throne when she married Prince Leopold of…
