Crown Jewels! A Guide to Every Object Used in King Charles’ Coronation

Sentimental mementos for his big day. As King Charles III gears up for his coronation, he’s set to be adorned with many items from the Crown Jewels as he’s declared the new monarch.

While Charles, 74, ascended the throne in September 2022 after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, he will be formally crowned king in a highly publicized ceremony in May.

“My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion,” the new monarch told the British council tasked with proclaiming the next successor days after the queen’s death at age 96. “Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”

Charles’ official coronation will be held at Westminster Abbey on May 6. After the ceremony, the king will take his place on the Buckingham Palace balcony alongside his family — including wife Queen Consort Camilla and more members of The Firm — to mark the beginning of his reign.

As Charles goes through his service, he will be adorned with several ornaments fit for a king. The Crown Jewels — a collection of the royal family’s most historic and bedazzled heirlooms — feature more than 100 items including orbs, sceptres and crowns that have been used throughout the history of the monarchy. The royal regalia Charles will don has been passed down from previous monarchs, including his mother, who also wore the elegant artifacts for their respective coronations.

The coronation collection includes St. Edward’s Crown, the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign’s Orb. These objects are housed at the Tower of London and will leave their display case for the royal event.

Most of the heirlooms became part of the royal tradition early on in history and are full of rich history. The oldest item in the collection is the coronation spoon, which made its royal ceremony debut in the 12th century. During the ceremony, the spoon holds holy oil, which is used to anoint the monarch as has done so for every king or queen at their respective coronations.

While the spoon is used for the coronation specifically, some of the other items are also used for other momentous occasions for the royal family. When Queen Elizabeth died, the Sovereign’s Orb and the Sovereign’s Sceptre With Cross were placed on top of her casket. The orb is presented to the monarch during their coronation, a tradition that started with Charles II’s ceremony 1661. The golden ball is adorned with a cross perched on top to symbolize its heavenly power over the world. The sphere contains several small emeralds, rubies, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and one generously sized amethyst.

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Keep scrolling to learn more about the objects in Charles’ coronation ceremony: