A handwritten note, a crown and a wreath: items on Queen's coffin and what they signify.
On a wreath atop the coffin, a handwritten note read, "In loving and devoted memory," and was signed Charles R — for Rex, or king. Also atop of the coffin was the Imperial State Crown, a 2.3-pound crown worn by the queen after her coronation in 1953.
The Orb, like the Sceptre, dates back to the 17th-century and is a major part of the coronation ceremony of each monarch. The Orb is seen as a symbol that the monarch's power comes from God. Both items were last used at the Queen's coronation in 1953.
Like the sceptres, The Sovereign's Orb is a significant part of the traditional coronation regalia. The golden, jeweled ball, surmounted by a gem-encrusted cross, is designed as a symbol that the monarch's power is derived from God.
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.
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.
During Queen Elizabeth II's committal service in St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, the Crown Jeweller removed the Imperial State Crown and the Orb and Sceptre from the Queen's coffin before it was lowered into the royal vault.
Due to its historic and cultural value, it is said to be priceless. However, when experts have tried to slap a number on it, its worth has ranged between £3billion and £5 billion.
The orb is a symbol of the Christian world and the sovereign's power, which is why the sovereign holds it in their right hand during the coronation. When Charles I spent £1150 on the orb when he had it made in 1661. That's nearly $290,000 in today's money.
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.
The orb was kept steady by a small spike on its bottom that fit into a discreet mounting on top of the coffin's oak surface. 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.
A separate fixture was used to keep the orb fixed unmovingly in place, with a discreet mounting in the coffin – and a small spike attached to the bottom of the orb itself – keeping the sphere firmly in place and stopping it from rolling around as it was carried up inclines.
What does the breaking of the wand mean? The ceremonial breaking of the white staff signifies the end of the Lord Chamberlain's service to the Queen as sovereign. The "breaking of the wand" is a traditional part of a sovereign's funeral, but this was the first time it had been seen by the public.
A little spider that was seen crawling on Queen Elizabeth II's coffin went viral on Monday. Cameras were focused on the floral arrangement on top of the coffin as it was carried into Westminster Abbey.
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Due to the lead lining of the coffin, the casket would be very heavy. It has been estimated that it would weigh between 250kg and 317kg. Eight military bearers have been selected to carry the Queen's coffin on the day of her funeral.
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.
There are strict rules surrounding the crown jewels, and only three people in the world are allowed to touch them: the current monarch (that's now King Charles III), the Archbishop of Canterbury and the crown jeweler. For more than 800 years, the crown jewels have lived in the Tower of London.
If tradition prevails, most of the Queen's personal jewels will be passed on to King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It is speculated that Catherine, Princess of Wales will also receive some of the jewels as she will eventually be Queen.
The orb, made from a hollow gold globe, features several precious gemstones, including rose-cut diamonds, an octagonal step-cut amethyst, a table-cut sapphire, as well as clusters of emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls. The orb rests atop Queen Elizabeth's coffin.
The Sovereign's Orb is a piece of coronation regalia. It was created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 from the royal goldsmith Robert Viner. It is made of gold, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethyst, diamonds, pearls, and enamel. It has been used at all coronations and events after the one of Charles II.
During the coronation the monarch is presented with objects representing their powers and responsibilities. This is called the investiture. Among the objects is the Sovereign's Orb, a golden globe surmounted by a cross.
The Queen owned an iconic collection of precious jewels, some of which will remain on public display in the Tower of London, while others will be passed down through the Windsor family as beloved heirlooms. However, the Queen was buried with a small handful of her most treasured and personal jewellery.
The Lord Chamberlain — Lord Parker of Minsmere, who once served as head of MI5 — took part in the ceremonial breaking of the wand to signify the end of his service to the Queen as sovereign.
While her coffin is draped in the Royal Standard – a flag representing the Sovereign and the UK, it will have the Imperial State Crown mounted on it. Additionally, The Queen's orb and her sceptre will also be spread on her coffin before she is laid to rest.