Sunday Express

Nation rescues Albert’s crowning achievemen­t

Queen Victoria’s precious coronet is blocked from being sold abroad for £5m

- By Camilla Tominey ROYAL EDITOR

APRECIOUS coronet belonging to Queen Victoria has been saved for the nation. An unnamed owner was attempting to sell the sapphire and diamond coronet abroad but the Government has put a temporary block on the sale because of its importance to the country. It is still at risk of being exported, however, unless a buyer can be found to match the £5million asking price.

The news comes as ITV broadcasts a new royal drama, Victoria, at 9pm this evening, starring Jenna Coleman.

Considered one of the most important jewels of Victoria’s reign, the coronet was designed by Prince Albert to match the sapphire and diamond brooch he gave to his bride the day before their wedding in 1840. Victoria noted in her journal: “My dear Albert has such good taste and arranges everything for me about my jewellery.”

The coronet has 11 sapphires set in gold with diamonds set in silver. Most of the precious stones came from jewellery given to Victoria by King William IV and Queen Adelaide. Following Albert’s death in 1861, Victoria refused to attend the State Opening of Parliament until 1866 when she wore the coronet instead of her coronation crown, which she found too heavy. Culture Minister Matt Hancock said: “Queen Victoria’s coronet is stunning. It is one of the most iconic jewels from a pivotal period in our history and symbolises one of our nation’s most famous love stories. I hope that we are able to keep the coronet in the UK and on display for the public to enjoy for years to come.”

The coronet was given by King George V and Queen Mary to Princess Mary on her marriage to Viscount Lascelles in 1922. It was later sold to a dealer in London. An unknown buyer has recently applied for a licence to export it.

The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, administer­ed by the Arts Council, recommende­d that the licence be deferred until at least December 27 on the grounds of the coronet’s close connection with our history and national life.

Committee member Philippa Glanville said: “It evokes vividly the shared romantic taste of the time and its form has become familiar through many reproducti­ons. Its departure would be a great loss, given its beauty, its associatio­ns and its history.”

 ??  ?? NATIONAL TREASURE: The royal coronet, above, Victoria wearing it, left, and Jenna Coleman in the ITV drama
NATIONAL TREASURE: The royal coronet, above, Victoria wearing it, left, and Jenna Coleman in the ITV drama
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