Camilla: Bell discusses 'controversial' Koh-i-noor diamond

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Buckingham Palace could use a 200-year-old coronet to crown Camilla at Charles’ coronation next year to avoid an argument over the Koh-i-Noor diamond. Tensions between India and Britain have been profound in recent months, particularly due to attempts to agree on a post-Brexit trade deal. Due to this, King Charles III may decide that the new Queen Consort will not wear the the famous, but controversial, Koh-i-Noor diamond at next year’s coronation.

In order to avoid an international row, Palace workers may be delving through their large collection of crowns and jewels to find a suitable alternative.

Little-known crowns, including one worn by Queen Adelaide in 1831, are understood to be in contention for next year’s event, as the use of Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother’s crown is all but ruled out over a dispute with India.

According to TalkTV’s royal correspondent Rupert Bell, Charles will likely be “sensitive” to the idea of not wanting to cause possible upset for India.

Speaking on TalkTV, Mr Bell said: “Relations with India have been a bit strained over the last few weeks as we try and come up with a post-Brexit deal with India.

“This is all part of some of the discussion that have been going on.

“If it is seen to be a centrepiece at the coronation, then India might feel a little bit aggrieved.

“So there’s not just royal sensitivities at stake here, there’s, sort of, more geo-political sensitivities at stake.”

Mr Bell added: “So that’s part of the problem that this is such a controversial issue with regards to the coronation.”

The crown of Queen Adelaide, used at the famously frugal coronation of William IV, is part of the Royal Collection, but its whereabouts are currently a mystery after it was carefully removed from display at the Tower of London this year.

Other leading options are thought to include the 1820 Diamond Diadem, altered and worn by Queens Regnant and Consorts from Adelaide onwards.

Crowns created for the coronation of Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra, both of which temporarily held the Koh-i-Noor, could be used.

Experts have told The Telegraph that Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s crown could still be used as initially planned, with the controversial diamond replaced by another of similar size.

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The historic treasure was seized by the East India Company in 1849.

It was presented to Queen Victoria and then became part of the Crown Jewels.

When asked about Camilla wearing the diamond, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly told Sky News that decisions like that are “for the Palace”.

He added: “The palace is really very good at assessing the public, and indeed the international mood”.

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