King Charles Makes Rare Appearance Wearing Coronation Crown
The Daily Beast • • world
Key Points:
- King Charles III made a rare appearance wearing the Imperial State Crown at the State Opening of Parliament in London, marking one of the few times he has worn the historic crown since his coronation in May 2023.
- The Imperial State Crown, weighing 2.3 pounds and adorned with 3,170 stones including 2,868 diamonds, was originally made for King George VI’s coronation in 1937 and later adjusted for Queen Elizabeth II.
- King Charles paired the crown with the Robe of State to deliver the traditional Monarch’s Speech, which outlines government policies and legislative proposals for the new parliamentary year.
- Queen Camilla also wore a historic crown, the Diamond Diadem, which has been worn by every British queen since 1830 and features 1,333 diamonds; she first wore it at the State Opening of Parliament in November 2023.
- The ceremonial event symbolizes the start of the parliamentary year and is a key tradition in the British monarchy, with the Imperial State Crown commonly worn by reigning monarchs at this occasion.