Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, Royal ceremonial regalia in Tower of London, United Kingdom
The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are royal ceremonial regalia housed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, comprising more than 140 individual objects. The collection includes crowns, sceptres, orbs, and liturgical vessels adorned with over 23,000 gemstones and pearls used during coronations and state occasions.
After the execution of Charles I in 1649, nearly all medieval regalia were melted down by order of Parliament, leaving only a few items such as the 12th-century anointing spoon. Most current pieces were created following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 when Charles II returned to the throne.
Visitors can witness how the regalia is displayed in a setting that reflects the ongoing relationship between the monarchy and its ceremonial role in British public life. The items on show continue to be used during major state occasions, linking the past traditions to contemporary royal events.
The regalia are displayed in the Jewel House within the Tower of London, where visitors view them while moving along a slow-moving walkway designed to manage crowds. Waiting times can be long during peak seasons, so arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon may reduce queuing.
The Cullinan I diamond, the largest clear cut diamond in the world, is set in the Sovereign's Sceptre and weighs around 530 carats. Its companion stone, Cullinan II, is mounted in the front of the Imperial State Crown and weighs approximately 317 carats, both cut from the same original rough diamond.
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