1728 Prince of Wales Crown
Last used by Edward VII when Prince of Wales

Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, had a crown made in 1728 and used it (placed in front of him on a cushion) in 1729 when he took his seat in the House of Lords. He did not survive his father George II and was therefore never crowned king. After his death the crown was used both by his son, later George III and his grandson, later George IV whilst Prince of Wales.

However, by the late 18th Century the crown was not normally worn but was carried before the Prince of Wales on a cushion "to shew that he is not yet come to it". It was last used in this fashion by King Edward VII. This crown has not been used since the creation of the new Prince of Wales crown in 1901. Made of gold, the crown weighs 1lb 14oz and cost £140 5s. It has alternate crosses pattee and fleur-de-lys, but no jewels.

Frederick Louis was the eldest son of George II and his wife Caroline of Ansbach. Educated in Hanover, Frederick was brought to England in 1728 and proved an endless source of trouble for his parents. Neglected by his parents, Federick found friends in opposition circles ... who used him to attack the government and monarchy. King George II saw Frederick's actions as a direct attack on the authority of the king

Despite evidence to the contrary, Queen Caroline pretended to believe that Frederick was impotent. In 1737, when she was told that Princess Augusta was pregnant, Caroline expressed fears that a foundling child might be brought into the Royal Family. The king and queen wanted the baby to be born at Hampton Court. In what can be seen as little more than a determination to defy his parents Frederick took his wife - already in labour with their first child from Hampton Court to St. James' to prevent the baby from being delivered under his parents' roof. As a direct consequence of this action Frederick was banished from court and a public announcement was made that whoever continued to pay their respects to the Prince and Princess would not be received by the King and Queen.

On 6th March 1751 Frederick became very ill and told a friend that he had caught a cold. On 15th March was reported to be 'out of danger' but his illness continued. On 20th March he died. It was believed that his death may have been connected to an accident he had whilst playing cricket - when he was hit by the ball.