The Tower of London has taken Queen Mary’s Crown off display for modification work. Which is before the Coronation of The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort on Saturday, 6th May 2023.
For the Coronation at Westminster Abbey, the Queen Consort has chosen to use Queen Mary’s Crown instead of commissioning a new one. This is the first time in recent history that a consort’s coronation will use an existing crown. This decision was made in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.
The Crown Jeweller will make some minor changes and additions. In keeping with the longstanding tradition that the insertion of jewels is unique to the occasion and reflects the Consort’s individual style.
These changes will particularly pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As the Crown Jeweller will reset the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds into the Crown. Queen Elizabeth II owned the diamonds for many years and often wore them as brooches.
On previous occasions, Queen Mary’s Crown has set the Cullinan diamonds. During the 1911 Coronation, Cullinan III and IV were temporarily set in the Crown. And when the Crown was worn as a regal circlet at King George VI’s Coronation in 1937, the Cullinan V was inserted.
In addition, four of the Crown’s eight detachable arches will be removed . This is to create a different impression to when the Crown was worn by Queen Mary at the 1911 Coronation.
The Tower of London has displayed St Edward’s Crown, which will be used for the Coronation of His Majesty The King, to the public again. This is following the completion of modification work.
Queen Mary’s Crown
Queen Mary’s Crown was made by Garrard’s for the 1911 coronation and was commissioned by Queen Mary, the consort of King George V.
The design was inspired by Queen Alexandra’s Crown of 1902. Like Queen Alexandra’s Crown, it can be worn without the arches in the form of a regal circlet. This is which Queen Mary wore for the Coronation of her son, King George VI, in 1937.
During the 18th century, Queen Caroline, who was the consort of George II, wore Mary of Modena’s crown. Since then until now, no one has reused a Queen Consort’s Crown.