Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

The Queen Mother's Crown

Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is a piece of the British Crown Jewels that holds significant historical and cultural importance. It was made for Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother for the 1937 coronation of her husband, King George VI, marking a unique instance in the history of the British monarchy where a crown was specifically created for a consort rather than using a pre-existing piece.

Design and Features

The crown is made of platinum and is set with around 2,800 diamonds, most notably featuring the Koh-i-Noor diamond in the front cross patée. Unlike many other crowns that are typically gold, the choice of platinum for this crown was innovative for its time. The design includes four crosses patée alternating with four fleurs-de-lis, a common motif in British royal crowns. However, its most distinctive feature is the absence of a cap, making it lighter and giving it a more delicate appearance.

Historical Significance

The creation of the Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother marked a departure from tradition in several ways. It was the first crown made for a queen consort in over two centuries, and its design reflected both modernity and the personal taste of the Queen Mother. The inclusion of the Koh-i-Noor diamond also added to its significance, as the gem has a long and complex history, having been acquired by the British Empire in the mid-19th century and since becoming a symbol of the British monarchy.

Following the death of King George VI in 1952, the crown was not used in any coronation ceremony but remained a symbol of the Queen Mother's status. It was placed atop her coffin during her funeral in 2002, signifying her role as queen consort and mother to Queen Elizabeth II.

Legacy

The Crown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother is part of the collection of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, housed in the Tower of London. It remains a popular exhibit, attracting visitors from around the world interested in the history and pageantry of the British monarchy. The crown's design and its specific association with the Queen Mother have made it a unique artifact within the broader history of British regalia.

See Also

• British Crown Jewels
• Koh-i-Noor
• Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother
• King George VI
• Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

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