Was just reading up on the upcoming coronation of King Chaz on May 6 and…we have orbs, a Sovereign’s Orb, no less. That’s right, a big ass, bejeweled, golden orb. Michele must he shitting her pants right meow! And apparently, there is a long standing tradition of associating the European monarchs with orbs of one sort or another. Ostensibly, the Sovereign’s Orb represents the globe and the three continents known to Europeans at the time it was originally conceived in 1661. But as with all things aristocratic there is probably a much shadier side to the story than we are told. Interestingly, the Sovereign’s Orb is “actually two separate hollow hemispheres joined together at the central jeweled band.” Also of note is the fact that “like virtually all of the coronation regalia of the British monarchy, the sovereign’s orb dates to 1661.”
CROWN JEWELS: THE SOVEREIGN’S ORB
“At first, it seems peculiar that the monarch of a modern nation would hold a rather large shiny golden ball as a part of a coronation ceremony. It makes a bit more sense when you think about the ball as symbolizing the globe. Orbs feature a cross surmounting that globe to symbolize the Christian world, divided in three by the jeweled bands to represent the three continents known to medieval Europeans. The Royal Collection website explains that the orb, which is placed in the monarch’s right hand during the coronation, is “a representation of the sovereign’s power” [1]. The Brits aren’t the only ones who have an orb as a part of their regalia. A quick glance through Prince Michael of Greece’s book on the crown jewels of Europe finds orbs in the regalia of Bavaria, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Hungary, Bohemia, and Poland, too.
https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2014/06/crown-jewels-sovereigns-orb.html
WHAT ARE THE CROWN JEWELS?
“The Crown Jewels are the nation’s most precious treasures, including the sacred Coronation Regalia used at the Coronations of new monarchs. Comprising more than 100 objects and over 23,000 gemstones, the Crown Jewels are priceless, being of incalculable cultural, historical, and symbolic value. They are part of the Royal Collection, held in trust by the monarch for the nation.
THE SOVEREIGN'S SCEPTRE WITH CROSS, 1661
The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross has been used at every coronation since Charles II’s in 1661. It was transformed in 1910 for George V by the addition of the spectacular Cullinan I diamond. At 530.2 carats, it is the largest colourless cut diamond in the world.
The Cullinan Diamond was discovered in 1905, in modern-day South Africa. On 26 January 1905, Frederick Wells, the mine's Surface Manager, was alerted to a shiny object glinting in the wall of the mine. Wells prized out an enormous diamond, named after the mine's chairman, Sir Thomas Cullinan.
KEY FACTS
-At 3106 carats, The Cullinan Diamond remains the largest gem-quality uncut diamond ever found.
-A replica stone, guarded by detectives was sent to the mining company's London sales agent by ship, while the real stone, insured, was sent by ordinary parcel post. Both arrived safely.
-The Transvaal government purchased the stone and gifted it to King Edward VII. The gift symbolised the healing relationship between Britain and South Africa following the South African Wars (sometimes called the Anglo-Boer Wars), 1899-1902.
The huge uncut stone was cut to create nine major stones and 96 smaller brilliants in all.
It took three polishers working 14-hour days, 8 months to complete the nine largest stones.
-The two largest stones were named the Cullinan I and the Cullinan II. They are set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, 1661, and the front band of the Imperial State Crown, 1937.
SOVEREIGN’S ORB, 1661
During the coronation the monarch is presented with objects representing their powers and responsibilities. This is called the investiture. Among the objects is the Sovereign’s Orb, a golden globe surmounted by a cross. It reminds the monarch that their power is derived from God.
In 1689 Queen Mary II was crowned joint sovereign with her husband King William III. As joint monarch Mary II required her own regalia for their coronation, rather than using the traditional consort’s regalia.
https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/history-and-stories/the-crown-jewels/
Here's the Full Schedule for King Charles III’s Coronation—and What to Expect
“Whether out of love for Britain’s monarchy or mere fascination with the nation’s most recognizable family, millions of eyes will be on King Charles’ coronation on May 6.
The following day will be marked by a number of celebrations, including street parties and an evening concert. Pubs and bars will be allowed to remain open for two extra hours in the U.K., and Monday will be observed as a national holiday.“
https://time.com/6274001/king-charles-iii-coronation-schedule/