Prepare to be dazzled by this breathtaking collection.
Prepare to be dazzled by this breathtaking collection.
9 April 2021. Following the death of His Royal Highness, there will be changes to opening hours for the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle. For further information, please read our FAQs page
This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.
The Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious and cultural significance in our nation’s history. The mystique and beauty of the diamonds and precious jewels in the royal regalia have always held an unparalleled allure to visitors from across the globe.
From February 2020, HRH The Prince of Wales’s Investiture Coronet is on display in the Jewel House for the first time. The coronet, part of the Royal Collection, has joined the coronets of two other Princes of Wales.
For the investiture as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle on 1 July 1969, Prince Charles wore the contemporary coronet designed by architect and goldsmith Louis Osman. The coronet is made of gold and platinum and set with diamonds and emeralds with a purple velvet and ermine cap of estate.
Alongside the coronet, the rod used in the 1969 investiture, previously made for the 1911 investiture, is also on display.
You'll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These gems are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by The Queen for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament. Make sure to look out for the ‘in use’ signs.
Since 1066, coronation ceremonies have taken place in Westminster Abbey, the great church founded by Edward the Confessor. The displays examine how the royal regalia are used during the ceremony and explore the symbolism of each object. The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation.
Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2017
The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661, continuing a long tradition of storing precious objects here.
More about the Crown JewelsColonel Blood, the Crown Jewels thief
On the 9th May 1671 Colonel Thomas Blood, a notorious turncoat and fugitive nicknamed ‘The Father of Treasons,’ attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Martin Tower within the walls of Tower of London. Listen to Yeoman Warder Darren Hardy tell the fascinating story of how Blood and his companions managed to outwit the Jewel House Keeper in order to snatch the jewels.
Explore the stories of the Princes in the Tower and Sir Walter Raleigh in the infamous Bloody Tower.
Closed
Tower of London
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Marvel at the guards protecting the Crown Jewels. See the sentries posted outside the Jewel House and The Queen’s House.
Closed
Tower of London
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Discover captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture with our Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London.
Closed
Tower of London
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Shop our products inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.
From £9.99
The Crown Jewels reside at the Tower of London and are worn by British kings and queens on their coronations and royal occasions. Our magnificent Crown Jewels collection make the perfect souvenir.
From £9.99
Choose from our stunning collection of jewellery, including pieces inspired by the palaces and the people who lived in them. These beautiful collections include necklaces, rings, earrings, charm bracelets, bangles and pendants.
From £14.99
