King George VI
The king who wore the Imperial State Crown made for his coronation in 1937.
King George VI was the monarch for whom the current Imperial State Crown was made in 1937. The crown was created by the jewellers Garrard & Co. as a faithful copy of Queen Victoria's 1838 crown, which had fallen into a poor state of repair. It remains in use today at coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The crown is adorned with 3,170 precious stones, including the 317-carat Cullinan II diamond, St Edward's Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince's Ruby.
- Role
- Monarch of the United Kingdom
- Status
- Deceased
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
For the coronation of King George VI in 1937, a new Imperial State Crown was made by the jewellers Garrard & Co. It was a faithful copy of Queen Victoria's 1838 crown, which had fallen into a poor state of repair. The crown is adorned with 3,170 precious stones, including the 317-carat Cullinan II diamond, St Edward's Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince's Ruby. The crown's inner headband was later adjusted and its arches lowered by 1 inch in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II. The empty frame of Victoria's crown survives in the Royal Collection, and is now on display in the Tower Jewel House, minus its monde and cross which now sit on the current crown.
In Their Own Story
The Imperial State Crown made for George VI is 31.5 cm tall and weighs 1.06 kg. It has four fleurs-de-lis alternating with four crosses pattée, supporting two arches topped by a monde and cross pattée. Its purple velvet cap is trimmed with ermine. The frame is made of gold, silver and platinum, and decorated with 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies. Notable stones are St Edward's Sapphire on the top cross, reputedly taken from the ring of Edward the Confessor when he was re-interred at Westminster Abbey in 1163, and the Black Prince's Ruby on the front cross. In 1909, the 104-carat Stuart Sapphire, set in the front of the crown, was moved to the back and replaced by the 317-carat Cullinan II. Below the monde hang four pearls, three of which are often said to have belonged to Queen Elizabeth I, but this association is almost certainly erroneous.
Reader's Guide
The Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch on leaving Westminster Abbey at the end of his or her coronation. It is usually also worn at State Openings of Parliament. Usually, it is taken to the Palace of Westminster under armed guard in its own carriage and placed in the Robing Room, where the monarch dons the Robe of State and puts on the crown before giving the speech to Parliament. If a State Opening occurs before a coronation, the crown is placed on a cushion beside the monarch. When not in use, the Imperial State Crown is on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
Did You Know?
- The Imperial State Crown was made in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI.
- The crown is adorned with 3,170 precious stones, including the 317-carat Cullinan II diamond.
- The crown's inner headband was adjusted and its arches lowered by 1 inch in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II.
- The Black Prince's Ruby on the front cross is actually a large red spinel.
- The empty frame of Queen Victoria's 1838 crown survives in the Royal Collection and is on display in the Tower Jewel House.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is King George VI?
He is the father of Queen Elizabeth II who ascended to the British throne in 1936 following his brother Edward VIII's abdication. The series portrays him as a reluctant leader who struggled with a severe speech impediment while guiding the nation.
What are King George VI's powers and role?
As the Monarch of the United Kingdom, he served as the ceremonial head of state during a critical period including World War II. His role involved representing the country and supporting the government, though his actual political power was limited by constitutional conventions.
How does King George VI's story end?
His storyline concludes with his death in 1952, which occurs shortly after he is shown in the final moments of his life in the show. This event leads to the succession of his daughter, Elizabeth, as the new Queen.
Why is King George VI important?
He is significant for stabilizing the monarchy after the abdication crisis and maintaining public morale during the war. His personal battle with a stammer is highlighted as a symbol of overcoming adversity for the sake of his country.
Who is King George VI's wife?
He is married to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who is known in the show and history as Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. She is the mother of the current Queen Elizabeth II and provides crucial support to him throughout his reign.
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