King Charles III Will Receive a New Wedding Ring During His Coronation
Following the royal tradition, the monarch will be presented with “The Wedding Ring of England” during the ceremony on May 6, 2023.
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When King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla were married in April of 2005, the royal couple made their marriage official by exchanging wedding bands. Eighteen years later, Charles is getting ready to receive a new wedding ring during his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023. Not only will Charles mark his new role as the head of England by having a crown placed on his head, but he’ll also receive a coronation ring known as “The Wedding Ring of England.”
According to the official royal family website, this ritual is part of a long-standing tradition that has spanned across centuries. Up until the 20th century, the monarch received a brand-new ring made for them before they were crowned. Since King William IV’s coronation in 1831, however, every sovereign wore the special piece of jewelry made for William at their own coronation—with the exception of Queen Victoria because her fingers were too small, so she needed an alternative ring made. When Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, she was presented with that coronation ring, which was placed on the ring finger on her right hand during the ceremony. Yahoo! Sports predicts that Charles will likely receive the same coronation ring that other monarchs had been given since 1831.
Related:Queen Consort Camilla Will Wear Queen Mary’s Crown for King Charles III's Coronation
This symbolic accessory includes a sapphire center stone and rubies forming the shape of a cross, while 14 diamonds encircle the emblem. Yahoo! Sports reports that the item resembles the British flag, and it represents “kingly dignity,” according to the Royal Collection Trust.
The king’s coronation will also follow other traditional aspects seen in coronations past. He will be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown, a headpiece that is usually used to mark the transfer of power. The accessory was commissioned from royal goldsmith Robert Vyner for Charles II in 1661, the Royal Collection Trust says. The regal item features a solid gold frame set with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes, and tourmalines. It also includes a purple velvet cap. Yahoo! Sports reports that the king’s coronation ceremony jewelry is estimated to be worth $4.22 million.
While Camilla stands by her husband's side during his coronation, she will also be crowned with an iconic headpiece that previous monarchs have worn: Queen Mary's Crown. In 1911, Queen Mary wore the glittery accessory when she took part in the coronation with her husband, King George V. According to the palace, a queen consort hasn’t been crowned with an existing headpiece in about 300 years, so Queen Mary’s Crown is making recent coronation history. However, this tiara will honor Queen Elizabeth II by being reset with Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds, which the late monarch owned and often wore as brooches.
Although Charles’ coronation will mainly follow tradition, Bucking Palace has confirmed that the ceremony will also be infused with modern elements. “The coronation will reflect the monarch’s role today and look toward the future, while being rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry,” the palace said. The official royal family website mentions that the palace will announced more details ahead of the ceremony.