The famous gem was first set in a cross at the front of Queen Mary’s crown when it was worn at her coronation in 1911, but was replaced by a replica in 1937 when the original was moved to the Queen’s crown. mother to her and the coronation of George VI. .
But neither the original nor the replica will be worn at the King and Camilla’s coronation in May, instead using diamonds from the late Queen’s personal collection, a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said.
The Koh-i-noor was captured by the East India Company after their victory in the Second Anglo-Sikh War of 1849.
It was given to Queen Victoria and has remained in the Crown Jewels ever since.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party is reported to have expressed concern that the famous gem would provide an unwelcome reminder of the British Empire.
Camilla will become the first consort since the 18th century to reuse a crown at a coronation.
He will pay tribute to the late Queen by replacing the Koh-i-noor with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, all of which were part of his personal jewelry collection.
Buckingham Palace said Camilla opted to modify the existing crown, rather than commission a new one as is customary, to make it more sustainable.
The last consort to reuse a crown was Queen Caroline, George II’s consort who wore one belonging to Mary of Modena, James II’s consort, in 1727.
The crown was removed from display at the Tower of London for alteration work.
Four of the crown’s eight detachable arches will be removed to create a different impression from when Queen Mary wore it in 1911 at the coronation of George V, her husband.
Its design was inspired by the crown worn by Queen Alexandra, consort of Edward VII, in 1902.
Cullinan diamonds were cut from the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever found in 1908.
Cullinan III and IV were placed on the crown for George V’s coronation in 1911.
Cullinan V was inserted when the crown was used as a royal ring at the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
St Edward’s crown, which will be used for the king’s coronation, has now returned to public display in the Tower after completion of the alteration work.