George VI Coronation 1937 / Inside the Royal Crown & Tiara

On 12 May 1937, inside the ancient walls of Westminster Abbey, the coronation of George VI became not only a sacred ceremony — but a dazzling display of royal jewels and historic tiaras.

At the heart of the moment stood the King himself, crowned with St Edward’s Crown and later wearing the Imperial State Crown. Beside him stood his devoted wife, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, wearing the platinum Crown of Queen Elizabeth, set with nearly 2,800 diamonds, including the legendary Koh-i-Noor.

Also present was Queen Mary, widow of George V, wearing her 1911 crown — the very crown later chosen by Queen Camilla for the 2023 coronation (without the Koh-i-Noor).

Among the young royals were Princess Elizabeth (the future Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret, both wearing delicate coronets created especially for the ceremony.

European royalty added even more brilliance to the Abbey:

• Crown Princess Märtha of Norway wore her Diamond Daisy Tiara — today worn by Mette-Marit.
• Princess Sibylla of Sweden appeared in the Connaught Diamond Tiara — now frequently worn by Victoria.
• Wilhelmina represented the Netherlands — today the Stuart Tiara shines on Maxima.
• Princess Ingrid of Denmark wore the Danish Ruby Parure — now worn by Mary.

From Britain’s extended royal family:

• Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent wore the Kent Fringe Tiara.
• Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester wore the Honeysuckle Tiara.
• Lady Elphinstone shone in the Lotus Flower Tiara — today most famously worn by Catherine.

This coronation was more than a ceremony — it was a living gallery of history, where jewels passed from one generation to the next, continuing to shine nearly a century later.