Queen Elizabeth’s death has reignited a long-running dispute over the Koh-i-Noor diamond
Legend has it that all men who possessed the Koh-i-Noor fell out of favor. A 14th century Hindu text states that “he who has this diamond will possess the world, but will also know all its miseries. Only God or woman can wear it with impunity.”
No one has dared to challenge the prophecy, but things may change, as it is a man, King Charles III, who has just inherited the diamond.
The Koh-i-Noor, also spelled Kohinoor, is one of the largest diamonds in the world. Wars have been fought in his name, as “El Pais” writes.
It belonged to Hindu, Mongol, Persian and Afghan monarchs. And in 1877, it passed into the hands of the British royal family when Queen Victoria was named Empress of India. The jewel was placed in the center of Queen Elizabeth’s crown in 1937 for her coronation. And now King Charles III inherited the crown. Many are hoping that he won’t be the one to wear it and that, following family tradition – or superstition – he will give it to his wife, his queen consort, Camilla. But India is seeking a different outcome.
Queen Elizabeth’s death has reignited a long-running controversy. Indian authorities believe the diamond was smuggled out of the country and was not a gift, as claimed by the British royal family. They are demanding the return of the Koh-i-Noor, arguing that its incorporation into the royal crown is a holdover from Britain’s colonial days in India. These appeals are piling up on social media, where #Kohinoor became a trending topic as soon as Elizabeth’s death was announced.
However, it is not only the Koh-i-Noor that has a “dark” history. The Crown Jewels – a collection of jewels and treasures considered the most valuable in the world – are filled with tales of curses, palace intrigue and international conflict.
More than two million people visit the ‘Crown Jewels’ collection at the Tower of London each year.
The collection is owned by the British monarchy and not Queen Elizabeth herself, meaning they have automatically passed to King Charles III. The new ruler, however, can lend them to various members of the royal family, as his mother did in the past.
Kate Middleton, wife of Prince William, has worn royal tiaras, brooches and chokers, as has Camilla. Usually, these pieces are only used for the coronation of a monarch, in official portraits and on certain ceremonial occasions.
The state crown boasts more than 3,000 precious stones, but it’s one in particular that has caught the attention of the press. The Cullinan diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa, which was found in South Africa in 1905.
While it is known what adorns the Queen’s coffin, there is less information about the jewels she will be buried with. Also, no one knows what will happen with the coronation ceremony of King Charles, which will take place in 2023 (what happened a few days ago was the proclamation). Several British media outlets believe the ceremony will be smaller, shorter and cheaper than his mother’s coronation in 1953.
Charles III will receive the St. Edward’s Coronet, the centerpiece of the Crown Jewels, from the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the most valuable crown in the collection, the one used to crown the monarchs of the United Kingdom. It was built for the coronation of King Charles II. Camilla is expected to wear Queen Elizabeth’s crown, with the Koh-i-Noor.
There are also questions about what will happen to Queen Elizabeth’s personal jewelery collection, which is not linked to the monarchy and can be bequeathed freely. The 300-piece collection, which is worth more than €120 million, is largely made up of jewelery Queen Elizabeth inherited from her grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Some British media claim that the items will be shared between Camilla, Kate Middleton and her daughter Charlotte.
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I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
