The Jewel House at the Tower of London has reopened following its annual cleaning, showcasing a number of remarkable royal items now on display.
The Jewel House highlights the ongoing significance of the Crown Jewels in Royal traditions, as well as their enduring role in representing the British Monarchy.
The Coronation of King Charles III – Charles and Camilla wave from the balcony at Buckingham Palace
One of the staple highlights at the Jewel House is Queen Camilla’s crown that she wore for the Coronation in May 2023
For the Coronation, Camilla opted to wear Queen Mary’s Crown, marking the first time in recent history that an existing crown was used for the crowning of a Consort, rather than commissioning a new piece. This decision reflects a commitment to sustainability and efficiency. The Crown is now available for public viewing, attracting royal enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Queen Mary’s Crown, originally crafted by Garrard for the 1911 coronation of George V, was commissioned by Queen Mary herself. Its design drew inspiration from Queen Alexandra’s Crown, worn in 1902 during Edward VII’s coronation. The crown features a silver frame lined with gold and set with 2,200 diamonds, primarily brilliant-cut, with some rose-cut stones.
Camilla is crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown (Justin Welby)
Before the Coronation, modifications were made to reflect Queen Camilla’s personal style. Four of the Crown’s eight detachable arches were removed to create a distinct silhouette. The adjustments also paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II by resetting the crown with the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds. These extraordinary gems, part of the world’s largest diamond at the turn of the 20th century, were inherited by Queen Elizabeth from her grandmother, Queen Mary. Often worn as brooches by Elizabeth II, the diamonds are affectionately nicknamed “Granny’s Chips.” Cullinan IV, a square-cut stone, now sits prominently on the crown’s band, while Cullinan III, a pear-shaped gem, is placed on top.
Queen Mary’s Crown with the modifications of Camilla’s style. (Royal Collection Trust)
St Edward’s Crown has also returned to the Jewel House. This crown, perhaps the most historically significant piece in the Crown Jewels, was used to crown King Charles during his Coronation ceremony.
Crafted for Charles II in 1661, St Edward’s Crown replaced the medieval crown melted down by Parliamentarians in 1649. Its original design is believed to trace back to Edward the Confessor, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, who was succeeded by William the Conqueror.
The Archbishop of Canterbury crowns The King (Justin Welby)
The crown is made of solid gold and adorned with over 400 stones. It features a velvet cap trimmed with an ermine band and is topped with a diamond-encrusted cross pattée resting on a monde. Until 1911, the cross was adorned with pearls. The crown’s design includes crosses and fleurs-de-lis along its thick gold band, finished with a rich purple velvet cap.
Also on display is the Imperial State Crown, a masterpiece of royal craftsmanship and a symbol of British heritage. Created in 1937 by Garrard & Co. for George VI’s coronation, it draws heavily on the design of Queen Victoria’s crown. This impressive piece is set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls, as well as three larger stones—a diamond, a sapphire, and a ruby—mounted on its frame, totaling 3,168 gems. The crown, weighing 1.06 kg and standing 31.5 cm tall, is both stunning and substantial.
King Charles wore the Imperial State Crown to and from his Coronation at Westminster Abbey. The crown also appears during the State Opening of Parliament.
Image Licensed to i-Images Picture Agency. 06/05/2023. London, United Kingdom. The Coronation of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London. Picture by i-Images / Pool
The King’s Stole Royal is another notable item displayed at the Jewel House. Made of cloth of gold, the stole features intricate silk-thread embroidery inspired by the roundels of Elizabeth II’s coronation stole. Each roundel contains an embroidered design created using the silk shading technique, often called ‘painting with a needle’.
The King’s Stole Royal. (RCT)
The designs include the four emblems of the United Kingdom — Rose, Thistle, Leek, and Shamrock — along with a Dove of Peace representing the Holy Spirit, a Tudor Crown, the Crossed Keys of St Peter, symbols of the four Apostles, and a pattern echoing the Cosmati Pavement of Westminster Abbey, where the Anointing of His Majesty took place.
Tickets to visit the Tower of London and view these treasures can be booked here.
