The ruby vandalised by Henry at Agincourt

ONE of the most eyecatching stones in the Imperial State Crown – and clearly the Queen’s favourite – is the Black Prince’s Ruby.

The 170 carat stone, which is actually a semiprecious spinel, is mounted at the front of the crown. It is thought to have been given to Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince, who died in 1376.

In 1415 it was worn by Henry V in his helmet at the Battle of Agincourt.

He is supposed to have had a hole drilled in the ruby and a feather placed in it. The Queen says wryly: ‘Bit rash, but that was the sort of thing they did, I suppose, in those days.’