I recently read King George V's biography. There's a quote from Queen Mary relating to their first opening of parliament where she says "What I enjoyed most was wearing grandmama's crown".
At first I thought she was referring to QV's small diamond crown. But when looking at pictures of the event, I realized she was referring to the regal circlet. (Or was it really QV's State Crown without the arches?)
Here's my question: Has anyone worn QV's small diamond crown after Queen Alexandra? When did it get sent to The Tower with the rest of the regalia?
Queen Mary wore the QV regal circlet to her first parliament. I believe that Queen Alexandra was the last to wear the QV small diamond crown.
I have read that when a new crown was needed for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth (QEQM) the QV small diamond crown was considered for dismantling to provide diamonds. Thank goodness that idea was rejected. The regal circlet was dismantled instead. It was George VI who then had the small crown sent to the Tower.
on February 3, 2025, 2:36 pm