What Is the British Imperial Crown?
The British imperial crown is the official crown used at coronations and state occasions. It is part of the Crown Jewels and symbolizes the continuity of the monarchy. The current design dates from 1937 for the coronation of King George VI.
Design and Materials
The crown is made of gold and features precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond and the Black Prince’s Ruby. It has four half-arches supporting a cross at the top. The structure is engineered to be lighter than earlier crowns while retaining ceremonial weight and visual impact.
Historical and Ceremonial Role
The imperial crown is placed on the sovereign’s head during the coronation anointing and crowning moment. It is stored with other regalia in the Tower of London and displayed to the public. The Crown Jewels collection draws millions of visitors annually and is managed by Historic Royal Palaces.
Learn more about the Crown Jewels and their history at the official Historic Royal Palaces website Tower of London Crown Jewels.
