Crowning Wisdom: Prince's Coronet

Our earthly king, who received his crown on Saturday, was crowned previously in 1969. Not then as king, but as Prince of Wales, at his formal investiture at Caernarvon Castle. A rather modern coronet was created for him, seeing as the official Prince of Wales’ Coronet was controversially ‘retained’ by King Edward VIII after his abdication and exile in France. The other Prince’s coronet, that of Frederick, from 1728, was deemed too old and fragile to use.

The rather spikey, modernist object designed by Louis Osman and made of Welsh gold, is displayed at London’s V&A. At its base are seven diamonds representing the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and seven to represent the seven deadly sins. Which of these Prince Charles sought or avoided, readers may judge for themselves. It seems remarkable that such opposing concepts should be symbolised upon a golden crown. In hell, the unrepentant openly wear their shame; in heaven, the Forgiven gratefully wear Christ’s righteousness.

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8