Imperial State Crown

Imperial State Crown
Cyril James Humphries Davenport · Public domain · source
Name	Imperial State Crown
Country	United Kingdom
Owner	Monarchy of the United Kingdom
Made	1937 (current form)
Material	Gold, silver-gilt, velvet, ermine, precious gems
Weight	c. 1.06 kg
Primary use	State occasions, coronations, royal ceremonies

Imperial State Crown The Imperial State Crown is the best-known crown associated with the Monarchy of the United Kingdom, used at ceremonial events including the State Opening of Parliament and worn at the conclusion of coronations. It functions as both a working insignia for the British royal family and a display object in royal collections such as the Crown Jewels kept at the Tower of London. The crown embodies centuries of royal practice linked to institutions like the House of Windsor and events such as the 1953 coronation.

History

The crown traces lineage to regalia used by medieval rulers, evolving through commissions associated with monarchs like Charles II, George I, and Edward VII. Following the loss or deterioration of earlier pieces, a new crown was made for George VI in 1937, reflecting precedents set after the English Civil War and Restoration of Charles II. Its custodianship has been managed by bodies including the Royal Household and the Crown Jeweller office, while security and display involve institutions like the Historic Royal Palaces and the Tower of London administration.

Design and Materials

The crown's frame combines gold and silver-gilt set with gemstones such as the St Edward's Sapphire, the Black Prince's Ruby (actually a spinel), the Cullinan II diamond, and numerous other historically named gems. It rests on a velvet cap trimmed with ermine introduced by fashion tied to courts of Tudor dynasty and Stuart. The present silhouette derives from models produced during the regalia remakes associated with George V, incorporating stylistic references to crowns used by Victoria and William IV. Craftsmanship was executed by firms linked to the House of Garrard lineage and successors holding the office of Crown Jeweller.

Symbolism and Use

Each element conveys dynastic and constitutional symbolism tied to monarchs such as Elizabeth II and rituals like the accession. Crosses pattée and fleurs-de-lis reference dynastic claims connected historically to the Plantagenet and Hanoverian lines, while the arches and monde echo imperial notions associated with the British Empire and later the Commonwealth of Nations. The crown appears in state iconography alongside banners used by the Royal Standard and is employed during ceremonies presided over by officials including the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Great Chamberlain.

Manufacture and Alterations

Re-creations and repairs have been undertaken by notable firms and individuals such as the Goldsmiths' Company-affiliated workshops and the Crown Jeweller offices occupied by craftsmen linked with names like Garrard and later successors. Major remake projects occurred after the English Reformation-era losses and notably for the 1937 coronation and maintenance prior to the 2023 coronation era. Alterations have included resetting of gems like the Cullinan II and replacement of velvet and ermine components, executed under guidance from curators at Historic Royal Palaces and in consultation with advisers from the Royal Collection Trust.

Notable Occasions and Public Display

The crown is central at the State Opening of Parliament where it is borne by officers including the Lord Great Chamberlain and was last worn at ceremonial moments by monarchs such as Elizabeth II and George VI. It featured prominently in high-profile events like the 1953 coronation and in public mourning displays during occasions following national figures' deaths, kept on public view in the Jewel House at the Tower of London during exhibitions curated by the Royal Collection Trust and Historic Royal Palaces. The crown has been photographed and reproduced in media associated with institutions such as the BBC and appears in commemorative presentations by museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Category:Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom Category:Regalia