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…
The sacred promise King Charles III will make at the Coronation
21st April 2023
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…
