Camilla may not be able to wear Queen Mother’s crown at Charles’ coronation ‘because of row over controversial diamond’
CAMILLA may be stopped from wearing the Queen Mother’s crown at the King’s coronation as it contains a controversial diamond, it is reported.
India and other nations have long claimed ownership of the 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond, which sits in the cross at the front of the crown.
When the prospect of King Charles’ coronation was discussed several years ago it is understood it was provisionally agreed Camilla would wear the stunning regalia at the ceremony.
But according to royal sources, there is “significant nervousness” over the Queen Consort being crowned with the headpiece next year because of the ongoing ownership dispute, the Mail reports.
The giant gem may be removed from the crown before it is used as it is held in a detachable platinum mount, or it may be shunned in favour of a simpler coronet.
At the front sits the Koh-i-Noor gem – one of the largest cut diamonds in the world – which was gifted to Queen Victoria by Duleep Singh, the last emperor of the Sikhs.
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It is claimed by India as well other several other countries in the region.
The source told the outlet: “Times have changed and His Majesty The King is acutely sensitive to these issues, as are his advisors.
“There are serious political sensitivities and significant nervousness around them, particularly regarding India.”
Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
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The crown features 2,800 diamonds and was made for the late Queen Mother using many gems from Queen Victoria’s Regal Circlet.
It is not clear where the diamond came from, but it was acquired by Britain in 1849 after more than 35 years in India.
The grand diamond was then gifted to Queen Victoria in 1855.
Authorities in India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all claimed ownership of the Koh-i-Noor and demanded its return.
Queen Victoria wore the stone in a brooch and a circlet.
Following her death in 1901, it was set in Edward VII’s wife Queen Alexandra’s crown before being transferred to Queen Mary’s in 1911.
It was then set in the Queen Mother’s crown in 1937 for her coronation as Queen Consort.
The gem is now on display in the Tower of London’s Jewel House.
It comes after the Palace confirmed King Charles’ coronation will take place on Saturday, May 6 next year.
His Majesty’s coronation at London’s Westminster Abbey will take place almost 70 years after his mother’s ceremony in 1953.
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The event will “represent modern Britain” and is expected to be cut to around a third in length – lasting just one hour.
Camilla will be crowned alongside her husband, just as the Queen Mother was by King George VI in 1937.