It is one of the most symbolic pieces of jewellery in the royal collection and it could be about to get a new chapter in its history. It was originally created for a king but has only been worn by queens for almost two decades. Now, Queen Camilla could continue that tradition and wear the George IV State Diadem for the first State Opening of Parliament of her husband’s reign.
To be fair, it’s a diadem that has more than its fair share of associations with the State Opening of Parliament. Queen Elizabeth II usually wore the King George IV State Diadem for the procession to and from the Palace of Westminster. Towards the end of her reign, Her Late Majesty chose to wear this gem throughout the State Opening while the heavier Imperial State Crown was instead carried before her into the House of Lords on a red velvet cushion and placed by the throne as a symbol of royal power.
The diadem itself is much lighter than the State Crown but is still a highly symbolic piece of jewellery. It was also among the most familiar signs of Elizabeth II’s reign as she was shown wearing it on the portraits used on stamps and coins in Britain and the Commonwealth.
George IV had the diadem made in 1820 as he finally ascended the throne after over fifty years as heir to the throne and ten as regent. The gold and silver frame is decorated with over 1,300 diamonds and its design was rather modern at the time. Around the central cross, the new king had the gemstones worked into the four symbols for England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland rather than traditional heraldic symbols.
It could be seen as a canny move by George who was constantly criticised for his excessive spending. This diadem, which was worn by the king on the way to his coronation in 1821, helped to underline his position at the heart of his new realm. However, following his death it passed into the jewellery collection marked ‘queens only’. Every consort since has worn it as have the two queens regnant, Victoria and Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II wore the George IV State Diadem to her first State Opening of Parliament in 1952. Then, the Imperial State Crown wasn’t an option as her own coronation hadn’t taken place.
Now, in the year of the Coronation of her successor, Charles III, the diadem passes to Queen Camilla. Whether Her Majesty chooses to wear this very royal symbol remains to be seen.
