The crown on the coffin, as Town & Country pointed out, is the Imperial State Crown, which is “made of gold and set with 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies,” Historic Royal Palaces wrote on its site. The crown was made for Elizabeth's father King George VI during his 1937 coronation.
The Imperial State Crown includes the 317 carat Cullinan II diamond - sometimes called the Second Star of Africa. Cut from the largest diamond ever found, it was given to Edward VII on his 66th birthday by the government of the Transvaal - a former British crown colony - in present day South Africa.
The Imperial State Crown, the orb and the sceptre were lifted from the queen's coffin by the Crown Jeweller, officially separating the Queen from her crown one last time. The moment, which was witnessed by 800 people in attendance, is a rare historical occurrence, which many had never witnessed before.
Each item was expertly fastened to Her Majesty's coffin to prevent the crown jewels from moving as they proceeded between locations during the event. The practice prevented the crown jewels from being damaged, as they have been in the past.
The crown sat atop a purple pillow, a seemingly precarious spot that was stabilised by a firm protruding section on which the monarch's headwear was mounted. Rods protruding discreetly from beneath the Royal Standard flag held the sceptre slightly above the lid of the lead-lined coffin until it was ready to be removed.
The actual value of the Imperial State Crown isn't known as its historic value is said to be 'priceless'. Some experts have estimated its monetary value could be between £3billion and £5 billion. Besides the Imperial State Crown lies the orb and sceptre with the gold orb being made for Charles II's coronation in 1661.
Royal Navy sailors have the honour of pulling the State Ceremonial Gun Carriage bearing the Queen's coffin for two miles through the streets of London – a duty they have performed since the funeral of Queen Victoria in 1901.
The Imperial State Crown, the orb and the sceptre will be lifted from the Queen's coffin by the Crown Jeweller during the 4pm committal service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. The Crown Jewels will then be passed to the Dean of Windsor who will place them on the High Altar.
How much did Kate Middleton inherit from Queen Elizabeth II? Radar Online reported in September 2022 that was Kate was expected to inherit $110 million in jewelry from the Queen after her death. The collection includes 300 personal pieces of jewelry that belonged just to the Queen and not the Crown.
Who inherits the Queen's wealth? King Charles is the sole beneficiary of the Queen's wealth, including her £650 million estate. On top of this, she amassed tens of millions of pounds in her own cash and assets, mainly from art and racehorses.
They stay safeguarded at the Tower of London in safekeeping for the nation, and when one monarch dies, the crown jewels are immediately passed to their heir.” So the Queen's former crown, sceptre and orb now belong to her son, King Charles III.
The favouring of sailors over horses during state funeral processions was entrenched in tradition after Queen Victoria's funeral in 1901 when chilly weather spooked the horses that were due to pull the gun carriage.
When the Queen's coffin is taken to her funeral service at Westminster Abbey it will be carried on a royal navy state gun carriage pulled along by sailors. This royal tradition has been a feature at every funeral for a monarch since Queen Victoria was laid to rest over 100 years ago.
The horses pulling the carriage were then unharnessed and improvised ropes were attached to the gun carriage so the team of sailors brought could carry the coffin safely for the rest of the route.
The Queen's casket was topped with flowers picked from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House. Before the Queen's coffin was lowered into the royal vault in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, a crown, orb and sceptre were removed.
The pallbearers hail from the Queen's Company, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. 'It's their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining in the Queen's Company until King Charles decides otherwise,' explained Major Adrian Weale to the PA.
The Queen's coffin (which was made thirty years ago) is thought to weigh anywhere between 250kg and 317kg, due to it being made from oak with brass fittings and lead lining – which is used to slow decomposition. This means an additional two pallbearers are needed to carry it.
Yes. The Queen's coffin will be on public view 24 hours a day in the four-and-a-half days before her funeral.
Queen Elizabeth's coffin was transported from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey today on top of the 123-year, 5600-pound Royal Navy State Funeral Gun Carriage. The converted ordinance transport first appeared at a royal funeral when it was used to transport Queen Victoria's coffin in February 1901.
The Lord Chamberlain poignantly "broke" his Wand of Office over the coffin, and placed the pieces there. Finally, the coffin was lowered into the Royal Vault, as the Dean of Windsor read Psalm 103, including the emotional line, "Go forth upon thy journey from this world, O Christian soul."
The Queen regularly rode Emma for light exercise in the grounds around Windsor Castle over the last 15 years. Following her attendance at the Queen's funeral procession, Mr Pendry, who accompanied the pony during her appearance, claimed Emma was aware on some level that she will never ride with the Queen again.
Queen Elizabeth II will be buried in an English oak coffin featuring brass handles that were designed more than 30 years ago, and lined with lead. It is estimated the coffin weighs between 250kg and 317kg.
Upon her passing in September 2022, there was uncertainty about what fate would befall the Queen's racehorses and stable. However, it has now been confirmed that the registration of all her racehorses has been transferred to King Charles and Queen Camilla, who become co-owners.
Queen Alexandra's Wedding Necklace
The necklace was part of a set which included a tiara, brooch and earrings. The stunning piece was passed down to the Queen Mother, who wore it often until her 2002 death. It was later lent to Princess Kate from Queen Elizabeth.
As for why the Queen left Meghan out of her inheritance, Radar Online's source speculated that it could be due to either “practicality” or Harry and Meghan's drama with the British royal family in the years leading up to the Queen's death.