Diamond Diadem on show at palace for anniversary

THE Queen’s famous Diamond Diadem and jewels from the monarch’s collection are to go on show at royal residences to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

The priceless crown, set with 1,333 brilliant-cut diamonds, was made for George IV’S coronation in 1821.

It has been worn countless times by the Queen over her reign, and is one of the most well recognised of her pieces of jewellery. She usually wears the diadem for her journey to and from the State Opening.

The crown will be on display with other historic jewellery in the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace during the Royal Collection’s summer opening from July 22 to Oct 2, in an exhibition exploring the Queen’s accession.

It features a band of diamonds edged with pearls, surmounted by four

crosses-pattee, the front cross set with a pale yellow brilliant diamond, and a rose, a thistle and shamrocks representing national emblems.

In 1952, days after she acceded to the throne, the Queen wore the diadem for official portraits by Dorothy Wilding, which formed the basis for the monarch’s image on postage stamps from 1953 to 1971. A selection of 24 of Wilding’s historic photographs from the sessions will also be on display.