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St. Edward’s Crown, also known as the Crown of England, is a significant emblem of monarchy in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms. This majestic crown plays a central role in royal ceremonies and coronations, symbolizing the continuity of the British monarchy and the authority vested in the reigning sovereign.
Historical Origins
St. Edward’s Crown owes its name to King Edward the Confessor, who ruled England from 1042 to 1066. It is believed that Edward was the first monarch to be crowned with a crown similar in design to the present St. Edward’s Crown. The original crown was made of gold and featured a cross at its top.
Over the centuries, various monarchs modified and replaced the crown, resulting in the current St. Edward’s Crown. The version we know today was crafted in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II and has been used in every coronation ceremony since.
Design and Features
St. Edward’s Crown is an exquisite example of craftsmanship and features a traditional design that embodies centuries of royal heritage. Its key elements include:
Gold and Precious Stones: The crown is made from solid gold and adorned with a plethora of precious stones. The crown is encrusted with over 400 sapphires, emeralds, amethysts, and rubies, in addition to pearls.
Fleurs-de-lis: The crown features a series of fleurs-de-lis, a symbol associated with royalty, and crosses pattee, which are religious crosses with arms that narrow towards the center.
Archbishops’ Influence: The design of St. Edward’s Crown reflects the influence of the archbishops of Canterbury. The crown’s base is adorned with four crosses pattée alternating with four fleurs-de-lis, representing the role of the church in the coronation ceremony.
Cross and Orb: At its apex, the crown is surmounted by a cross Pattee and an orb, both symbolizing the Christian faith and the monarch’s role as the defender of the Church.
Significance
St. Edward’s Crown holds immense symbolic importance in the British monarchy:
Coronation Ceremonies: The crown is central to the coronation ceremony of each new monarch. During the coronation, the archbishop of Canterbury places the crown on the sovereign’s head, signifying their anointment and authority to rule.
Monarchical Continuity: St. Edward’s Crown represents the unbroken line of monarchy in the United Kingdom, connecting the present sovereign to a history that spans over a thousand years.
Royal Regalia: Alongside the Crown Jewels, which include the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Sceptre, St. Edward’s Crown is a part of the royal regalia, symbolizing the power and status of the reigning monarch.
National Identity: The crown embodies a sense of national identity and pride, serving as a visual representation of the British monarchy, its traditions, and its role in the country’s history.
What is the weight of St. Edwards Crown?
The present St. Edward’s Crown, commissioned for King Charles II in 1661, is crafted from 22-carat gold, stands at 30 centimeters (12 inches) in height, and carries a weight of 2.23 kilograms (4.9 pounds). It is lavishly adorned with a total of 444 precious and fine gemstones. While maintaining a comparable weight and general aesthetic to the original design, the crown features Baroque-style arches.
References
https://britishheritage.com/history/edwards-coronation-crown-worth
