Fit For A King | The History of His Majesty’s Coronation Regalia
- May 06, 2024
- Canadiana
- 4 Minute Read
The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, was replete with centuries-old traditions, ancient garb, and historic ornaments used specifically for these rare occasions.
Housed in the Tower of London for public display when not in use, the Royal Regalia is a sacred and secular collection of objects used to symbolise the service and responsibilities of the monarch.
Although many pieces are a central feature in the coronation ceremony – including an ancient spoon, rings, and swords; it is tradition for the new sovereign to be photographed for their official coronation portrait, featured on our latest Special Edition Proof Dollar, with only a few of the storied objects that imbue the sacred coronation ritual with significance.
The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, was replete with centuries-old traditions, ancient garb, and historic ornaments used specifically for these rare occasions.
Housed in the Tower of London for public display when not in use, the Royal Regalia is a sacred and secular collection of objects used to symbolise the service and responsibilities of the monarch.
Although many pieces are a central feature in the coronation ceremony – including an ancient spoon, rings, and swords; it is tradition for the new sovereign to be photographed for their official coronation portrait, featured on our latest Special Edition Proof Dollar, with only a few of the storied objects that imbue the sacred coronation ritual with significance.
Crowning Glory
In keeping with tradition, it is the gold, silver, and platinum, Imperial State Crown with its 3,170 precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond, St Edward's Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince's Ruby that adorns the head of The King in his official coronation portrait.
The Imperial State Crown, or Crown of State, is significantly lighter than St. Edward’s Crown which is used during the ceremony to officially crown the new sovereign. Used for ceremonial occasions and at the State Opening of Parliament, the Imperial State Crown is one of the most recognizable pieces in the Crown Jewels collection.
Cloaked in History
Did you know that there were four traditional robes donned by His Majesty during his coronation ceremony?
While His Majesty wears a similar crimson velvet robe known as the Robe of State during his procession into the church, the official coronation portrait of His Majesty King Charles III features the final garment worn upon his departure from Westminster Abbey. Known as the Robe of Estate, this dark purple silk velvet robe with gold lace was last worn by The King’s grandfather King George VI at his coronation 87 years ago.
A symbol of good governance
A representation of temporal power and good governance, the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross has undergone numerous alterations since it was originally made for the Coronation of King Charles II in 1661.
Reinforcements needed to be made to accommodate the addition of an enamelled rose, thistle, shamrock, and particularly, the huge drop-shaped Cullinan I, or Star of Africa, diamond.
The Cullinan I diamond was presented to King Edward VII in 1907 as a symbolic gesture following the Boer War and is the largest colourless cut diamond in the world.
The Golden Globe
The Sovereign’s Orb, also commissioned for the coronation of King Charles II, is a hollow gold globe set with over 600 precious stones and pearls including emeralds, rubies and sapphires surrounded by rose-cut diamonds. The Orb is topped with an ornate cross and is a representation of the sovereign’s power and a reminder that their power is derived from God.
During the service the Sovereign’s Orb was placed in His Majesty’s right hand, then placed on the altar before the crowning. Along with the scepter and crown, the Sovereign’s Orb is part of the regalia that followed His Majesty to Buckingham Palace where his official portrait was photographed after the coronation service.
A first for Canadian coins
For centuries, the Coronation of a Sovereign has been a formal affair filled with ceremonial pageantry and ritualized observances. There is beauty in the liturgical nature of such an event, after all.
His Majesty’s Coronation was a ceremony that represented continuity, tradition and duty and for many Canadians, it was their first time witnessing such a historical event.
Want to celebrate this historic first anniversary of the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada? This Special Edition Proof Dollar showcases His Majesty’s official coronation portrait in full colour and, for the first time in Canadian history, His Majesty is prominently featured on both the coin’s obverse and its reverse.
Add it to your royal collection here!
