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CROWNING GLORY

Will King Charles wear the same crowns as the Queen?

KING Charles will be officially crowned during the May 2023 coronation.

But the monarch might need to have the crowns modified so that they fit perfectly.

The Imperial State Crown is expected to be worn by King Charles during his coronation on Saturday, may 6, 2023
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The Imperial State Crown is expected to be worn by King Charles during his coronation on Saturday, may 6, 2023Credit: PA

Will King Charles wear the same crowns as the Queen?

In the summer of 1953, millions filled the streets to catch a glimpse of the new monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

The magical occasion was set-off by her crown, with shining diamonds and splendid jewels, rightly fit for royalty.

But the Queen wore more that one crown at her coronation.

She was crowned with the St Edward's Crown but then was cheered along the streets wearing the Imperial State Crown.

not be just one crown, as multiple crowns are used during the coronation ceremony.

King Charles III will wear both crowns at his coronation on Saturday, May 6, 2023, as they are traditionally passed from monarch to monarch, dating back thousands of years.

Will they resize the crown for King Charles?

The crowns will need to be enlarged for King Charles.

In comparison, the late Queen had to get the crowns made smaller for her head.

But as King Charles's head is bigger, alterations will again be essential.

The sophisticated process can only be performed by a selected team of fine jewellers.

It is an important procedure with the Crown Jeweller called upon to oversee the modifications.

The position of Crown Jeweller is responsible for the maintenance of all the Crown Jewels.

As of November 2022, the Crown Jeweller is Mark Appleby of Mappin & Webb.

He was appointed by the late Queen in 2017, as the 10th Crown Jeweller.

Another Royal Family favourite is The House of Garrard, who may be given the task of altering the crowns for His Majesty.

How much is the crown worth?

The value of the crown jewels can be described as priceless.

Consisting of more than 100 objects and over 20,000 gemstones, they are all treasured under tight security inside The Tower of London.

The Imperial State Crown, which the Queen wore in her famous coronation photograph, is estimated to cost more than £3billion.

It will be worn by King Charles, as he leaves Westminster Abbey, after the Coronation ceremony.

Traditionally it was worn by the Queen during the State Opening of Parliament.

The Imperial State Crown is made out of gold and precious stones including 2,868 diamonds in silver mounts, as well as 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls.

Famous jewels in the crown include the Black Prince’s ruby, the Stuart sapphire, and the Cullinan II diamond.

It was made originally for the coronation of the late Queen's father, King George VI, replacing the crown made for Queen Victoria in 1838.

The crown used during the coronation ceremony is St Edward's Crown.

It was created in 1661, and is regarded as the most important and sacred.

Weighing 2kg (5lbs) Queen Elizabeth II herself pointed out humorously in a interview about how heavy it is.

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The crown is placed on the new monarch's head by the Archbishop of Canterbury,

Before the Coronation of King Charles, the public can view the crown jewels, by visiting the Tower of London or online on the Historic Royal Palaces website.

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