It is the crown of Saint Edward that will crown King Charles III on Saturday, at the coronation ceremony. This valuable item is only used once per reign… and for one hour only.

A replica of the crown of King Edward, who ruled England over a thousand years ago, the crown that will crown Charles III was used at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, and has been in storage ever since.

“It is an impressive object in solid gold set with hundreds of precious stones,” says Marc Laurendeau, journalist and expert on the monarchy, who saw the crown of Saint Edward firsthand during a visit to London in the years. 1990.

Cross and lilies

In addition to the 444 precious stones that adorn its golden arches (ruby, sapphire, topaz, tourmaline and zircon, among others), the crown is set on an ermine piece, a symbol of purity and moral virtue.

The crown is adorned with fleur-de-lys, which symbolizes the monarchy, and four crosses. “This religious symbol reminds us that the power of kings comes from God; at least that’s what they claim,” comments Mr. Laurendeau.

It is difficult to establish the commercial value of such an object, which is carefully guarded in the Tower of London. Estimates range from $39 million to $57 million.

An uncomfortable gem

In addition to its high symbolic function, the crown of Saint Edward is known to be… heavy.

Its weight of more than 2.4 kg (5 lb) makes it one of the most uncomfortable jewels of the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II feared she would break her neck when the sovereign leaned over to read a speech. She often related this fact with humor.

Because of its heaviness, Queen Victoria in 1837 and King Edward IV in 1901 refused to use it at their coronations. But Charles III will be wearing it!

• What is the true portrait of King Charles: Listen to the interview with Benoît Tanguay, editor of the Journal La Riposte sociale on Benoit Dutrizac’s program via QUB radio :

The coronation ceremony

The coronation ceremony of Charles III will begin at 11 a.m. sharp (6 a.m. in Quebec) at Westminster Abbey in London. It will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.

At noon, the primate of the Anglican Church will lay the crown of Saint Edward on the king’s head to the sound of trumpets; cannon salutes will sound across the UK.

From the end of the ceremony, when starting the procession to Buckingham Palace, it is the “Imperial Crown of Apparatus” that will cap the new king.

This more comfortable jewel was worn by the Queen at least once a year on the occasion of the solemn opening of the session of Parliament.

It is also this crown that honors deceased monarchs at state funerals in the United Kingdom.