Camilla, Queen Consort will wear Queen Mary’s crown at the coronation of King Charles III in May, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

It is the first time in almost three centuries that an existing crown will be used for the coronation of a consort, instead of a new crown being commissioned.

Camilla is said to have made the decision to wear Queen Mary’s crown over a new one in the interest of “sustainability and efficiency”.

Queen Mary’s crown has been removed from the Tower of London where it is part of the permanent collection of crown jewels on display, for minor adjustments and modification work ahead of the coronation ceremony on 6 May, 2023.

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The news comes a day after Camilla tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the Queen consort to cancel multiple public engagements.

The art deco-inspired crown was originally created for Mary of Teck in 1911, but will undergo some alterations by the Crown Jeweller, in keeping with tradition that crown jewels are adapted uniquely to suit each occasion and wearer.

The changes will reportedly include being reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Cullinan diamonds are some of the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world, and were part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewellery often worn by Her Majesty as brooches.

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