The Crown Regalia – the Imperial State Crown, the Cap of Maintenance and the Sword of State – has left Buckingham Palace on its way to the House of Lords. These ancient symbols of royal authority are being transported in Queen Alexandra's State Coach, drawn by four Bay Horses.
Details of the Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown, the iconic symbol of the monarchy, is a working crown worn by the monarch at state openings of Parliament. It boasts 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, five rubies and over 270 pearls, weighing more than a kilogram. Among its jewels are the Black Prince's Ruby – one of the late Queen's favourite gems – as well as the Cullinan II diamond and a large oval sapphire known as the Stuart Sapphire.
Historical Context
King Charles III also wore this priceless crown on his return journey to the palace after his coronation, but he was crowned in the 17th-century golden St Edward's Crown. More details to follow as the ceremony unfolds.
Queen Alexandra's State Coach, carrying the Imperial State Crown and the Sword of State, departs Buckingham Palace ahead of the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords. A view of the Chamber of the House of Lords shows preparations for the event. Members of the Household Division Foot Guards march outside Buckingham Palace, while the King's Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard carry out the ceremonial search. A member of Welsh Guards is seen on The Mall ahead of the ceremony. Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle is robed up, and the Band of the Royal Marines plays. The gilded throne from where King Charles III, sitting beside Queen Camilla, will read out the King's Speech in the Chamber of the House of Lords is also prepared.
