Camilla's Coronation Necklace

The coronation necklace is a piece of jewellery that is steeped in history and tradition and has been worn by royalty for centuries.

One of the most famous coronation necklaces was worn by Mary of Modena, the wife of James II of England, during their coronation in 1685. The necklace was said to have been made from diamonds that were collected by Charles II and was comprised of 52 diamonds in total. The necklace was later worn by Queen Mary II, who had the necklace altered to include her own initials.

Queen Victoria also wore a coronation necklace during her coronation in 1838. The necklace featured diamonds that had been collected by Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, and was made up of three strands of diamond-encrusted chains. The centre of the necklace was a large diamond cross that was suspended from a diamond-studded crescent.

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The necklace worn by Camilla for her 2023 coronation consists of 26 diamonds, including a giant 22.48-carat pendant called the Lahore diamond. it was originally created for Queen Victoria in 1858 and there are many images of her wearing the necklace (as above).

It was first worn at a coronation In 1902, by Queen Alexandra, followed by Queen Mary in 1911 and then Queen Mother Elizabeth in 1937. The Queen also wore the necklace for her coronation in 1958, but without the Lahore diamond.

Today, the coronation necklace remains an important part of the British Crown Jewels and is one of the most iconic pieces of royal jewellery in the world. It is kept in the Tower of London along with the rest of the Crown Jewels and is one of the most popular attractions at the Tower for tourists visiting from all over the world.