Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Charlotte Hawes

What will happen with Queen Elizabeth II's priceless crown after her death?

As millions of viewers watched the Queen's State Funeral on September 19, all eyes were on Her Majesty's coffin that was draped in the Royal Standard Flag and topped with carefully selected items from the Crown Jewels collection.

During the committal service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after the State Funeral, the Crown Jewels were delicately removed from the Queen's coffin before it entered the Royal Vault beneath the chapel.

When the Queen sadly passed away at Balmoral Castle on September 8 at the age of 96, her eldest son and former Prince of Wales became King Charles III as he mourned the death of his mother.

But what happens to the Crown Jewels now and what do they represent?

Here's everything you need to know.

What do the Crown Jewels represent?

The Crown Jewels, including the St Edward's Crown (Getty Images)

The Crown Jewels that were placed on top of the Queen's coffin have many different and special meanings.

According to The Telegraph, the Imperial State Crown represents a queen or king's sovereign power over their subjects.

The Sovereign's Orb is a major part of the coronation ceremony and it has a special meaning connected to the monarch's reign.

The golden jewelled ball, which is surmounted by a gem-encrusted cross, is designed to be a symbol that shows the monarch's power is derived from god, and it was created in 1661 for the coronation of King Charles II.

The head of the Sceptre with the Cross (Getty Images)

The Sovereign's Sceptre with the Cross represents the crown’s power and governance, and it has been used in every coronation since 1661.

However, it is not in its original condition as in 1910, King George V had the sceptre altered to include a 530.2 carat Cullinan I diamond.

What will happen to Queen Elizabeth II's crown now?

The State Imperial Crown was placed on top of the Queen's coffin at her State Funeral (Getty Images)

The Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign's Orb and Sceptre will now be passed down to King Charles III ahead of his coronation, which is expected to take place next year.

However, the Imperial State Crown is not the headpiece that is used to crown a monarch.

Charles will wear the St Edward's Crown when he is officially declared as the King during his coronation.

The crown, which is only used during coronation ceremonies, was made in 1661 and initially belonged to Edward the Confessor.

The coronation crown is remarkably heavy, made of solid gold and typically resides at the Tower of London between state events as part of the Crown Jewels collection.

The Queen's Coronation in 1953 (CAMERA PRESS/Cecil Beaton)

King Charles III will inherit all crown jewels following the death of Her Majesty The Queen as the royal jewellery and regalia belongs to the monarch and the Crown as an institution.

The King will use the Imperial State Crown, which is made up of 3,000 jewels and worth between £3bn and £5bn, for ceremonial occasions including the opening of parliament.

You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.