Camilla may not wear a jewel-encrusted crown at the King’s coronation as it could bring back “painful memories of the colonial past”, according to reports.
The coronation crown, made especially for the Queen Mother’s 1937 coronation, features the famous but controversial Koh-i-noor diamond.
The historic treasure was seized by the East India Company in 1849 when it was presented to Queen Victoria and became part of the Crown Jewels.
According to The Telegraph, a spokesman for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party said this week: “The coronation of Camilla and the use of the crown jewel Koh-i-noor brings back painful memories of the colonial past.
“Most Indians have very little memory of the oppressive past. Five to six generations of Indians suffered under multiple foreign rules for over five centuries.
“Recent occasions, like Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the coronation of the new Queen Camilla and the use of the Koh-i-noor does transport a few Indians back to the days of the British Empire in India.”
Buckingham Palace is yet to comment on the remarks.
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Asked if Camilla should wear the crown, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told Sky News: “Ultimately, decisions like that are for the palace. The palace is really very good at assessing the public, and indeed the international mood.
“We have a fantastic relationship with India and Indian people. It is a decision for the palace and I have no doubt the coronation will be an absolute celebration.”
The King’s coronation will take place on 6 May in Westminster Abbey.
It is thought the coronation will be simpler and shorter than previous ceremonies.
His Majesty will be crowned alongside his wife, Camilla, the Queen Consort.
Charles III will be anointed with holy oil, receive the orb, coronation ring and sceptre, and be crowned with the majestic St Edward’s Crown.
Camilla will also be anointed with holy oil and crowned, just like the Queen Mother was when she was crowned Queen in 1937.
The palace has said the ceremony will “reflect the monarch’s role today and looks towards the future” while staying “rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry”.
