Camilla’s decision to wear Queen Mary’s crown at the coronation will help avoid controversy, according to experts

Camilla averted a potential international dispute by choosing a crown that doesn’t include the Koh-i-Noor diamond.

Owning the 105-carat gemstone is hotly disputed, with India claiming it alongside several nations.

Buckingham Palace confirmed yesterday that the Queen Consort would wear Queen Mary’s crown at the coronation in May. It was commissioned and worn by the consort of King George V for his coronation in 1911.

It is the first time since the 18th century that a crown has been reused for the coronation of a consort. The palace said Queen Mary’s choice was in the “interests of sustainability and efficiency”.

It originally contained the Koh-i-Noor, but this was later transferred to the crown used for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, for her and George VI. Coronation was made in 1937. It means neither the original Koh-i-Noor nor a quartz crystal replica used to replace it will be used at the coronation of King Charles III and Camilla at Westminster Abbey, the Mail reported in October.

Camilla will wear Queen Mary’s crown at the coronation, Buckingham Palace has confirmed

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party is said to have expressed concern at the time that the diamond – confiscated by the East India Company in the 19th century and given to Queen Victoria – would represent an unwanted reminder of the British Empire.

Nigel Fletcher, Lecturer in Politics and Contemporary History at King’s College London, said: “This is an intelligent solution to the Koh-i-Noor diamond problem and avoids the inevitable controversy surrounding this stone.

“To wear it during the coronation, as the last two Queens Consort have done, would seem particularly insensitive today and would have risked a diplomatic row, as India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan have all claimed ownership over the years.”

Historian Priya Atwal said on Twitter it “feels like a big change that the Koh-i-Noor isn’t being used at the coronation,” adding it “feels significant that the royal establishment is now apparently tuned in enough to debate colonial history to drop the gem from the ceremony’.

Queen Mary’s crown was removed from the Tower of London for modification ahead of the May 6 ceremony. In a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, the palace said the crown would be reset with diamonds from her personal jewelery collection, the large diamonds known as the Cullinan III, IV and V.

Four of the crown’s eight detachable arches are removed to give a different impression than when worn by Queen Mary in 1911. Buckingham Palace said yesterday: “Her Majesty’s choice of Queen Mary’s crown is the first time in recent history that an existing crown has been used for the coronation of a consort rather than being commissioned in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.

“Some minor changes and additions will be made by the Crown Jeweler, in keeping with the long-standing tradition that jewel insets are unique to the occasion and reflect the consort’s individual style.”

The last consort to reuse a crown was Queen Caroline, consort of George II, who wore one in 1727 that belonged to Mary of Modena, consort of James II.

It is the first time since the 18th century that a crown such as Queen Mary’s Crown (pictured) has been reused for a consort’s coronation. The Koh-i-noor diamond (right) is not worn

Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Cullinan V Brooch. The Cullinan diamonds were cut in 1908 from the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found. Cullinan III and IV were installed in the crown of Queen Mary in 1911 at the coronation of George V

Queen Elizabeth (pictured here with the late Queen, her sister Margaret and King George VI) wore the late Queen Mother’s crown with the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond again at the coronation at the State Openings of Parliament during the reign of King George VI her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, in 1953

dr Fletcher said that in the past it was common for an existing crown to be fitted for a Queen consort, “so recycling it in this way is a return to tradition and less extravagant”.

He added: “Queen Mary’s crown is a particularly elegant choice with thin arches. As well as the Koh-i-Noor, it originally contained two other large diamonds, the Cullinan III and IV, which were later removed by Queen Mary and later by her granddaughter Elizabeth II and worn as a brooch which she called “Granny’s Chips”.

“It is a nice touch that these are reinstated in the crown for use in May, along with the Cullinan V which had previously appeared on it when Queen Mary wore it again at the 1937 Coronation.” The Cullinan diamonds were cut in 1908 from the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found.

Cullinan III and IV were installed in the crown of Queen Mary for the coronation of George V in 1911. Cullinan V was inserted when Queen Mary’s crown was worn as a royal circlet (without one of the arches) at the coronation of her son George VI in 1937. The St Edward’s crown, used for the King’s coronation is now on public display again in the tower after the completion of the renovation work.

The coronation is also expected to feature the Cullinan I, also known as the Star of Africa, embedded in the sovereign’s scepter with cross.

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk