‘THE ROYALS HAVE A LOT TO ANSWER FOR’

MARC FENNELL

Marc Fennell describes his new ABC series, Stuff The British Stole, as “Indiana Jones in reverse”. “He traipses around the world saying, ‘It belongs in a museum,’ then I come along and say, ‘Does it really?’” the TV host jokes to Woman’s Day. “Now I just need a fedora that fits.”

From artworks to jewels and rare relics, this is a look at the British Empire told through its loot.

But don’t ask Marc to name a favourite priceless piece. “That’s like asking me if I have a favourite child!” he says. “To be honest, the objects are only as interesting as the stories they reveal and the people they lead you to.

“There were so many moments where I was standing in grand palaces or deserts and beaches where I was just reminded of how small we truly are against the backdrop of history.”

Of course, one of the biggest moments in history will be King Charles’ coronation in May and Marc says he was shocked at what he learned about some royal relics.

“For starters, there’s a diamond in the Crown Jewels that was taken from a child – and King Charles is set to be crowned on a sacred stone robbed from Scotland,” he says.

But Marc predicts Camilla, Queen Consort, will steer clear of wearing the questionable Kohinoor diamond at the ceremony.

“I doubt they’ll want to court the controversy that comes with wearing a diamond that India, Pakistan and even the Taliban in Afghanistan claim is theirs,” says Marc, who admits he isn’t convinced the priceless object has a singular “rightful” owner.

“Its history is pretty complex,” he says. “But lets start by being honest about how it got to the Crown Jewels.”

STUFF THE BRITISH STOLE 8pm, Tuesday, ABC & iview