Camilla will pay a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II at her and King Charles’s Coronation later this year.
The Queen Consort has refused to wear the controversial Koh-i-noor diamond.
She will instead reuse the crown it was once set in instead
The gem was first set in a cross at the front of Queen Mary’s crown when it was worn at her coronation in 1911 but it was replaced by a replica in 1937 when the original was moved to the Queen Mother’s crown for her and George VI’s coronation.
The Queen Consort has refused to wear the controversial Koh-i-noor diamond.
PA
Neither the replica or the original will feature at the Coronation.
Diamonds from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s personal collection will instead be placed in Queen Mary’s crown.
The decision will make it the first time in recent history a new crown will not be made, with the palace saying the move was made "in the interests of sustainability and efficiency”.
A statement from Buckingham Palace read: “Queen Mary’s Crown has been removed from display at the Tower of London for modification work ahead of the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort on Saturday, 6th May 2023.
“Queen Mary’s Crown will be used for the Coronation of The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.
“The choice of Queen Mary’s Crown by Her Majesty is the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the Coronation of a Consort instead of a new commission being made, in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.”
“Some minor changes and additions will be undertaken by the Crown Jeweller, in keeping with the longstanding tradition that the insertion of jewels is unique to the occasion, and reflects the Consort’s individual style.
“These changes will in particular pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the Crown will be reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds.”
“The diamonds were part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewellery collection for many years and were often worn by Her late Majesty as brooches.”
Queen Consort Camilla and King Charles.
Eddie Mulholland/The Telegraph
The Cullinan III and the Cullinan IV diamonds are estimated to be worth more than £50million.
It comes as Camilla postponed a visit to the West Midlands after contracting Covid-19, Buckingham Palace said.
Buckingham Palace said: "After suffering the symptoms of a cold, Her Majesty The Queen Consort has tested positive for the Covid virus.
"With regret, she has therefore cancelled all her public engagements for this week and sends her sincere apologies to those who had been due to attend them."
GB News understands Her Majesty remains in good spirits and is resting. The Queen Consort is said to be "disappointed" she is unable to make this week's engagements.
