The Windsor Castle Crown Jewels are a remarkable collection of priceless artifacts that have been an integral part of British royal tradition for centuries. These exquisite treasures, housed at the Tower of London, are a testament to the grandeur and history of the British monarchy.
What are the Windsor Castle Crown Jewels?
The Windsor Castle Crown Jewels are a collection of over 100 extraordinary items, including crowns, scepters, orbs, and other ceremonial regalia. These items are closely tied to the status and role of the monarch and are used during important state occasions, such as the coronation ceremony and the State Opening of Parliament.
Are the Crown Jewels on Display at Windsor Castle?
No, the Crown Jewels are not typically displayed at Windsor Castle. They are housed and protected at the Tower of London, where they have been kept since the 1660s. The Jewel House at the Tower of London is the designated location where visitors can view the Crown Jewels up close.
Key Pieces of the Windsor Castle Crown Jewels
The Windsor Castle Crown Jewels collection includes several iconic and historically significant pieces:
St Edward’s Crown
This solid gold crown is used during the coronation ceremony to crown the monarch. It weighs 2.07 kg (nearly 5 lb) and is decorated with rubies, amethysts, and sapphires.
Imperial State Crown
This crown is set with 2,868 diamonds, as well as several famous jewels, including the St Edward’s Sapphire and the Cullinan II diamond.
Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross
This scepter includes the magnificent Cullinan I diamond, the largest colorless cut diamond in the world.
Sovereign’s Orb
This gold orb weighs 1.32 kg and is mounted with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires surrounded by diamonds and pearls.
Visiting the Windsor Castle Crown Jewels
If you want to see the Crown Jewels during your visit to the UK, you’ll need to plan a trip to the Tower of London, where they are on display in the Jewel House.
Cost and Timings
- The cost of visiting the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels varies depending on the time of year and type of ticket, with adult tickets ranging from £25 to £30.
- The Tower of London is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM.
Location and Hours
- The Jewel House is located within the Tower of London, at the address London EC3N 4AB.
- The Tower of London is open daily, except for December 24-26.
Real-Life Incidents and Statistics
- The Crown Jewels were used in the coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on May 6, 2023.
- The Crown Jewels have been protected at the Tower of London since the 1660s and are a working collection used at annual state occasions.
- The Crown Jewels contain 23,578 gemstones, including the Cullinan I diamond, the largest clear cut diamond in the world.