As the coronation of King Charles III fast approaches, an array of regalia is being prepared to take centre stage, encapsulating the history and significance of the occasion.
Nestled within the Tower of London, the Coronation Regalia's sacred and secular artefacts symbolise the monarch's devotion and duty to the country. These treasures have graced coronation ceremonies for centuries, and on May 6 they will once again find their place at Westminster Abbey.
St Edward's Crown
St Edward's Crown will be placed on the head of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey on coronation day.
It was created for Charles II in 1661 after a previous medieval version was melted down in 1649. The original crown held a connection with the 11th-century royal saint Edward the Confessor, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
St Edward's Crown may not be an exact replica of its predecessor but still carries much of its resemblance.
Topped with an orb and a cross, the crown symbolises the Christian world. Its solid gold frame is adorned with jewels and finished with a velvet cap and ermine band.
Last worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her coronation in 1953, St Edward's Crown has been temporarily removed from the Tower of London to be modified for the coming event.
Imperial State Crown
The Imperial State Crown, steeped in centuries of history, plays a pivotal role in the coronation service.
It will be exchanged for St Edward's Crown at the service's conclusion and is also worn by the monarch during ceremonial events, such as the State Opening of Parliament.
The term "Imperial State Crown" traces its origins back to the 15th century when English monarchs adopted a design with enclosing arches to symbolise England's independence.
The current version was crafted for George VI's coronation in 1937.
However, its design draws inspiration from a crown created for Queen Victoria in 1838 by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, the crown jewellers of that era.
Ceremonial Maces
Two maces were made between 1660 and 1695, crafted from silver gilt and oak. These ceremonial emblems of authority take centre stage at events such as the State Opening of Parliament.
Based on medieval weapons, the maces will provide an eye-catching symbol of royalty to accompany the sovereign’s procession to Westminster Abbey.
Sword of State
The Sword of State has an intriguing history, too. Back in the days of King Charles II, two such swords were crafted in 1660 and 1678.
Only one survives, and it has been a part of many coronations, including the 1969 investiture of the prince of Wales, the man who is now king.
It features William III's coat of arms on its scabbard.
Swords of Temporal Justice, Spiritual Justice and Mercy
During a coronation, three more swords feature: the Sword of Temporal Justice (for the monarch's role as head of armed forces), the Sword of Spiritual Justice (representing the monarch as defender of the faith), and the Sword of Mercy, a blunt-tipped blade said to symbolise the sovereign's mercy.
These swords have been in use since Charles I's coronation in 1626 and feature 16th-century steel blades and 17th-century hilts.
St Edward's Staff
This artefact, known as St Edward's Staff, has a history rooted in the tales of royal saints.
Originating from an earlier staff called the Long Sceptre, St Edward's Staff was carried during 15th and 16th-century coronation processions.
It symbolised a powerful connection to Edward the Confessor. Just think of the centuries of awe and reverence this stunning staff has inspired, as it continues to evoke the grandeur of royal heritage today.
Charles Farris, public historian at Historic Royal Palaces, said because its former use was unknown, there had been doubt over whether a new one would be produced.
“But Charles II said ‘no, I want the full set’, and it was made even though no one quite knew what it was for,” Mr Farris said.
Ampulla holding the Chrism oil
The sacred Chrism oil, used to anoint King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, has come all the way from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem.
This special oil is held within the Ampulla, a golden vessel shaped like an eagle with outspread wings. When the time comes, the oil will flow through an opening in the bird's beak.
The Ampulla was made in 1661 by the crown jeweller Sir Robert Vyner for Charles II's coronation.
Its design was inspired by a smaller, earlier vessel, which itself was rooted in a mystical 14th-century legend.
The Virgin Mary appeared to St Thomas a Becket, presenting him with a golden eagle and a vial of oil to anoint future monarchs of England, according to the legend.
Coronation Spoon
The silver-gilt Coronation Spoon holds a unique place in history, as the oldest object still in use at coronations.
First recorded in 1349 among St Edward's Regalia in Westminster Abbey, it is the only surviving example of royal goldsmiths' work from the 12th century. It may have been created for King Henry II or King Richard I.
The spoon was first used in King James I's ceremony in 1603 and has been used in every subsequent coronation.
After being sold in 1649, it was returned in 1661 for Charles II's coronation, adorned with delicate seed pearls on its handle as a symbol of renewal.
Spurs
The golden spurs, intricately crafted with leather and velvet, were created in 1661 for Charles II, but previous versions can be traced all the way back to Richard I, the Lionheart, in 1189.
These regal spurs are said to symbolise knighthood and chivalrous ideals.
Over time, the spurs have been adapted to reflect the changing needs of each ceremony.
In 1820, for example, they were altered for George IV's coronation.
Sword of Offering
The Sword of Offering, crafted in 1820, is a fusion of artistry and symbolism.
Its steel blade is mounted in gold and adorned with jewels that depict a rose, thistle, shamrock, oak leaves, acorns and lion's heads, each representing a different aspect of the United Kingdom.
The sword rests in a lavish gold-covered leather scabbard.
First used at the coronation of King George IV, the Sword of Offering serves as an enduring symbol of the monarch's commitment to their people and the realm.
Armills
The two Armills are bracelets made from gold, champleve and basse-taille enamel, lined in velvet, and are thought to relate to ancient symbols of knighthood and military leadership.
They have been referred to during previous coronations as the "bracelets of sincerity and wisdom". The Armills date back to 1661 and have been used at every coronation from Charles II’s to George VI’s in 1937.
Sovereign's Orb
The Sovereign's Orb, a majestic golden sphere crafted in the 17th century, serves as a striking representation of the monarch's power and connection to the Christian world.
It is divided into three sections, each adorned with bands of jewels, symbolising the three continents known during medieval times.
As an emblem of the sovereign's authority and spiritual role, the Sovereign's Orb continues to hold a prominent place in royal ceremonies.
Sovereign's Ring
The Sovereign's Ring features a sapphire with a ruby cross set in diamonds.
It was created for the coronation of William IV in 1831 and has since graced the fingers of monarchs from Edward VII onwards during their coronations.
Sovereign's Sceptres
At the coronation, two Sovereign's Sceptres will symbolise aspects of the monarch's responsibilities.
The Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross, representing temporal power and good governance, consists of a gold rod topped by a heart-shaped structure adorned with enamel and the Cullinan I diamond. This sceptre was made for Charles II, with the Cullinan added in 1901.
Meanwhile, the Sovereign's Sceptre with Dove, also known as the Rod of Equity and Mercy, highlights the sovereign's spiritual role. The enamelled dove with outspread wings signifies the Holy Ghost and was created by Sir Robert Vyner in 1661.
Queen Mary's Crown
In a break from modern tradition, Camilla, the Queen Consort has chosen to wear Queen Mary's Crown for the coronation.
It will be the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the Coronation of the Consort.
Minor alterations are being made to Queen Mary's Crown, including the incorporation of the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, which were part of Queen Elizabeth II's personal jewellery collection.
The design was inspired by Queen Alexandra's Crown from 1902.
Similar to its predecessor, it can be worn without the arches as a circlet, a style that Queen Mary herself chose for the coronation of her son George VI in 1937.
Queen Consort's Ring
The Queen Consort's Ring, an exquisite ruby set in gold, has a history that begins with the coronation of William IV and Queen Adelaide in 1831.
Since then, it has graced the hands of three more queen consorts – Alexandra, Mary and the Queen Mother.
Queen Consort’s Rod
The Queen Consort's Rod with Dove, echoing the design of the Sovereign's Sceptre, carries powerful symbolism.
Representing "equity and mercy", this stunning piece features a dove with folded wings, embodying the Holy Ghost and said to highlight the queen consort's spiritual role in the monarchy.
The Queen Consort's Sceptre with Cross dates back to 1685 when it was supplied by Sir Robert Vyner for the coronation of Mary of Modena, Queen Consort of James II.
This exquisite sceptre is inlaid with rock crystals.
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
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What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
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Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
