It came under the possession of Queen Victoria following the British annexation of the Punjab in 1849, acquired by the East India Company following the Anglo-Sikh Wars, after which it was presented to the British monarch in 1850. There have been a number of campaigns in India calling for Britain to return it, with other countries including Afghanistan and Pakistan also having staked a claim to the diamond in the past.
Since becoming part of the British Crown Jewels, it has been worn by a number of British queens; first Victoria; then Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII; then Queen Mary of Teck, consort of King George V, who had it set in a crown newly created by Garrard for their coronation; and most recently the Queen Mother, who again showcased the jewel in a new crown for her coronation as queen consort alongside her husband, King George VI, in 1937. It was not worn by Prince Philip during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, perhaps due to legends that it brings bad luck to men who wear it.
Earlier this week, Buckingham Palace announced the date of the King’s coronation, set for 6 May 2023. The event will break with precedent in a number of ways (coronations have not historically been held on weekends, for example) and is expected to be smaller, with a shorter service, in keeping with the current climate. Many of the traditional religious and ceremonial aspects will, however, be retained.
The guest list has yet to be confirmed, although it is thought it will host around 2,000 attendees, rather than the 8,000 in attendance at the Queen’s coronation. The day also falls on the fourth birthday of the King’s grandson, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, eldest child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
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