Crowning Wisdom: Mary's Diadem

Mary of Modena was the first crowned queen of England after the civil wars and Cromwell’s republic. King James II, her husband, inherited the throne in 1685 from his brother Charles II. Both were devout Roman Catholics, to the chagrin of Protestant Englishmen. Cromwell’s government had sold off the royal regalia, so three new crowns were made for the new queen: a coronation crown, a state crown, and a diadem for ‘everyday’ use. Curiously, Mary had to pay for them out of her own pocket, which seems a little bit rude, but then her pockets were commensurately deep. The diadem or cap, pictured, remains the property of His Majesty the King and is displayed in the Jewel House at the Tower.

The scriptures speak of the Christian receiving crowns in the heavenly kingdom. Yet none of these crowns, whether they be literal or figurative, shall be paid for by him who wears them. Grace, and grace alone, will bestow celestial honours: not one of our pockets is deep enough to buy admission, much less to bedeck us with jewels and robes.

And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4