1901 Prince of Wales Crown

At the moment of the crowning of the Sovereign all the assembled members of the Royal Family and aristocracy put on their own coronats or caps. Strict rules govern the form of these head ornaments.

In 1677 Charles II had specifically stipulated that 'the son and heir apparent of the crown for the time being shall use and bear his coronett composed of crosses and flowers de Lizs with one arch and in the midst a Ball and Cross'.

On January 22nd 1901 Queen Victoria died and George's father, Albert Edward, ascended the throne as King Edward VII. George inherited the titles of Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay. For the rest of that year George was styled Duke of Cornwall and York.until November 9th when he was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester.

The simple, silver gilt crown made for him conforms to the rules which had been laid down and was worn by him at his father's coronation in 1902. Made by Garrard, it weighs 11.4 ounces. It contains a red Cap of Estate turned up with ermine.

King Edward VII wished his son to have more preparation and experience prior to his future role. In contrast with Queen Victoria, who excluded Edward from state affairs, George was given wide access to state documents and papers. he often read over the papers with his wife, Princess May.

On May 6th 191 King Edward VII died and the Prince and Pricess of Wales ascended the throne. George was now King George V and May chose the regal name of Queen Mary (Queen Victoria's had deemed that no British Queen be named Victoria after her death!). Their coronation took place at Westminster Abbey on 22nd June 1911.

The crown was worn by Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) at George V's Coronation.

Following his abdication on 10th December 1936 Edward, as Duke of Windsor, took the crown with him to France. It returned to the Tower of London on his death in 1972.