St Edward’s Crown was made for the Coronation of Charles II in 1661, after the previous crown was melted down following the Civil War in 1649. The original was thought to date back to the eleventh-century royal saint, Edward the Confessor – the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.

The crown was commissioned from the Royal Goldsmith, Robert Vyner. Although it is not an exact replica of the medieval design, it follows the original in having four crosses-pattée and four fleurs-de-lis, and two arches. It is made up of a solid gold frame set with rubies, amethysts, sapphires, garnet, topazes and tourmalines. The crown has a velvet cap with an ermine band.

It is mounted with a cross as a reminder that Jesus gave his life for his people. It therefore represents not just kingly dignity, but also sacrifice.