List of royal crowns

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List of Royal Crowns

A royal crown is a ceremonial or symbolic form of headwear worn by monarchs as a symbol of their authority and dignity. Throughout history, crowns have varied in design, appearance, and significance, reflecting the culture, tradition, and fashion of their respective periods and regions. This article provides an overview of notable royal crowns from around the world, highlighting their unique features and historical contexts.

European Crowns

Crown of St. Edward

The Crown of St. Edward is the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Traditionally used in the coronation of English and later British monarchs, this solid gold crown dates back to the 11th century, although the current version was made for the coronation of Charles II in 1661. It is adorned with precious stones and represents the sovereignty of the monarch.

Imperial State Crown

Also part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, the Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch at the end of the coronation ceremony and at the State Opening of Parliament. It features a solid gold frame set with numerous gemstones, including the famous Cullinan II diamond.

Crown of Charlemagne

The Crown of Charlemagne, also known as the Crown of the Holy Roman Empire, was used in the coronation of Holy Roman Emperors and Kings of Germany until the early 19th century. It is a bejeweled gold crown that was originally attributed to Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor.

Asian Crowns

Imperial Crown of Japan

The Imperial Crown of Japan, known as the Chrysanthemum Throne, is a unique and ancient symbol of the Japanese monarchy. It is characterized by its distinct shape and the use of the chrysanthemum flower as a motif, which is also a symbol of the emperor and the imperial family.

Great Crown of Victory

The Great Crown of Victory is part of the Regalia of Thailand. It is made of gold and is adorned with diamonds and other precious stones. The crown is used in the coronation ceremony of the Thai monarch, symbolizing victory and sovereignty.

African Crowns

Crown of Ethiopia

The Crown of Ethiopia has a long and storied history, reflecting the ancient heritage of the Ethiopian monarchy. The most famous is the crown of Emperor Haile Selassie, which is made of gold and precious stones, featuring a design that incorporates both Christian and pre-Christian symbols.

Middle Eastern Crowns

Pahlavi Crown

The Pahlavi Crown was used in the coronation of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. It is a modern crown, made in 1926, and incorporates a large number of diamonds and precious stones set in a white gold frame, symbolizing the Pahlavi dynasty's aspirations and the modernization of Iran.

Americas

While traditional European-style crowns were less common in the pre-Columbian Americas, indigenous leaders often wore elaborate headdresses that served a similar symbolic purpose. With the arrival of European colonizers, some of the newly established monarchies in the Americas adopted crowns similar to those of their European counterparts.

Oceania

In the Pacific, traditional forms of leadership and hierarchy often did not include crowns in the European sense. However, with the influence of European colonization, some symbols of monarchy were adopted in the form of regalia that included crowns or crown-like items.

Conclusion

Royal crowns are powerful symbols of monarchy, embodying the history, culture, and identity of a nation or a ruling dynasty. They are not only objects of immense artistic and material value but also hold deep ceremonial and symbolic significance.