Sovereign's Orb
The Sovereign's Orb is a piece of coronation regalia. It was created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661 from the royal goldsmith Robert Viner.[1] It is made of gold, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethyst, diamonds, pearls, and enamel.[1] It has been used at all coronations and events after the one of Charles II.[2]
In 1671, it was damaged in Colonel Thomas Blood's attempt to steal the regalia.[3] The Orb shows Christian sovereignty over the earth.[2] It was set with 12 large diamonds, 30 rubies, sapphires, and emeralds for the coronation of George I in 1714.[3]
During the coronation ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury places the orb in the right hand of the Monarch. It is put back on the altar.[2] The Monarch leaves the coronation wearing the Crown, carrying the Scepter, and holding the Orb.
William and Mary came to the throne in 1689 as King and Queen, each in their own right. An orb was made for Mary II. It is called Queen Mary's Orb. It was used once and never used again. Both orbs were placed on Queen Victoria's coffin at her funeral.[2]
The orbs are hollow balls of gold. The Sovereign's Orb is 6.5" in diameter. It weighs 42oz 7dwt. Queen Mary's orb is smaller: it measures 5.75" in diameter. It weighs 34oz 6dwt. Queen Mary's orb was originally set with hired jewels. Today it is set with imitations for display purposes. The Sovereign's Orb is currently set with over 600 precious stones and pearls.
Sovereign's Orb Media
St Edward's Crown, the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom
King Æthelstan, wearing a crown, presents an illuminated manuscript to St Cuthbert, c. 930
The first great seal of Edward the Confessor
The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey, 1859
Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, in her coronation robes
Thomas Blood making his escape, drawn 1793
Elizabeth II wearing the Imperial State Crown, 1953
Queen Mary's Crown with eight half-arches and the Koh-i-Noor diamond set in the front cross
Coronet of Frederick, Prince of Wales
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