Queen’s £800,000 Diamond Crown to Be Inherited by Catherine

The iconic £800,000 diamond crown, a treasured piece once favored by the late Queen Elizabeth II, is set to be inherited by Catherine, the new Princess of Wales.

This exquisite diamond diadem headpiece holds immense significance within the Royal Collection, having graced the late Queen's regal appearances on numerous occasions.

Notably, Queen Elizabeth II adorned this majestic crown during pivotal moments such as her first state opening of Parliament in 1952 and her coronation journey in 1953.

Subsequently, the crown became a staple for all state openings and official portraits, including those immortalized on British and Commonwealth currency, banknotes, and stamps.

Originally commissioned by George IV from esteemed jewellers Rundell and Bridge in 1820 at a cost of £8,216, the diamond crown was later reset with jewels from the Royal Collection for Queen Victoria.

Today, its esteemed value is estimated to be nearly £800,000, making it one of the rarest gems in the Crown Jewels Collection.

Since George IV's reign until now, every Queen and Queen Consort, starting from Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV, has proudly worn this symbol of royal heritage.

Looking ahead, Queen Consort Camilla, wife of King Charles III, is poised to be the next in line to don the resplendent diamond diadem.

The 75-year-old queen could potentially wear this statement piece for the forthcoming coronation in May.

Furthermore, upon Prince William's ascension to the throne, his wife Catherine will inherit the title of Queen Consort from Camilla, thus sharing the privilege of wearing this coveted diamond diadem.

Describing the diamond diadem, the Royal Collection Trust portrays it as a silver and gold-lined diadem with a delicate openwork frame adorned with transparent diamonds.

The crown features a narrow band embellished with pearls, topped with four crosses and four sprays symbolizing the national emblems of England, Ireland, and Scotland – roses, shamrocks, and thistles.

With a dazzling array of 1,333 diamonds, including a prominent 4-carat pale yellow brilliant at the front cross, this crown exudes opulence fit for royalty.

Throughout history, the iconic crown has been immortalized in various portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, capturing her regal essence for posterity.

Renowned artists such as Lucian Freud and Raphael McClough have depicted the queen wearing this illustrious diadem in their artworks, featured on Commonwealth coinage and postage stamps.

Notably, Arnold Machen's portrait from the 1960s graced coins and postage stamps across the UK, further solidifying the crown's iconic status.

While George IV sported the crown atop a grand velvet Spanish hat during ceremonial events, Queen Elizabeth II opted for a more understated approach, wearing the crown unaccompanied.

The Royal Collection Trust sheds light on the crown's origins, revealing that the initial cost included an additional £800 charge for the diamonds, hinting at a potential exchange of stones from George IV's vast collection.