Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Camilla may not be crowned with Kohinoor at Charles' coronation due to 'political sensitivities'

The Indian-origin gem may be taken out of the crown or the crown may not be worn by Queen Consort Camilla at the event next year.

Camilla may not be crowned with Kohinoor at Charles' coronation due to 'political sensitivities'

The controversial Kohinoor diamond is unlikely to be part of the royal spectacle during the upcoming coronation of the new monarch, considering the “political sensitivities” surrounding the Indian-origin gem.

Media reports previously said Queen Consort Camilla would get to wear the crown containing the 105-carat precious stone held in a detachable platinum mount.

However, it is now expected that the gem may be taken out of the crown or the crown may not be used at all at the coronation, scheduled for May 6 next year.

One of the largest cut diamonds in the world, the Kohinoor has long been the subject of an international controversy as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have claimed its ownership.

A source admitted that the original plan was for the Queen Consort to be crowned with the late Queen Mother's crown when King Charles III would accede to the throne.

“But times have changed and His Majesty The King is acutely sensitive to these issues, as are his advisors,” they told the MailOnline.

“There are serious political sensitivities and significant nervousness around them, particularly regarding India,” the source said.

The diamond, believed to be mined near Guntur in south India during the mediaeval era, passed into British hands in the 19th century, when the East India Company gained control of the Sikh empire of Punjab.

Sikh king Ranjit Singh had taken it from an Afghan ruler who had sought sanctuary in India, according to historical accounts.

After he died in 1839, the Sikhs and the British fought a war. Following a peace treaty, Singh’s minor heir handed over the diamond to the British.

Also known as Koh-i-Noor or mountain of light, the diamond was subsequently displayed at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London.

It later became part of the British regalia - mounted on the crowns of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary and reset into the current one.

A spokesperson for India's governing Bharatiya Janata Party is quoted as saying any use of the crown jewel during the coronation would bring back “painful memories of the colonial past.”

According to historian William Dalrymple who co-authored a book on the Kohinoor, the gem “is a massive diplomatic grenade.”

He told the MailOnline, “It is actually part of a wider disconnect of a number of things that Indians get very upset about to do with the colonial period.”

More For You

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

Asim Munir

Pakistan rejects claim of China’s role in border clash

PAKISTAN’S army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday (7) rejected Delhi’s allegation that his military received active support from longtime ally China in its conflict with India in May.

The Indian Army’s deputy chief, Lieutenant General Rahul Singh, said last week that China gave Islamabad “live inputs” on key Indian positions.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

Christine Kangaloo awards Narendra Modi with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last Friday (4)

Modi courts Latin nations to expand trade relations

INDIA’S prime minister, Narendra Modi met Argentine president Javier Milei in Buenos Aires last Saturday (5), urging the expansion of New Delhi’s preferential trade deal with South America’s Mercosur bloc.

The bilateral talks with Milei were the latest in Modi’s whistle-stop diplomatic tour culminating in the summit of Brics emerging economies which began last Sunday (6) in Brazil.

Keep ReadingShow less
Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

Lord Coaker (Photo: UK Parliament)

Minister 'open to talks' on British Sikh regiment

A FRESH parliamentary initiative to establish a dedicated Sikh regiment within the British Army has gained momentum in the House of Lords, with defence minister Lord Coaker expressing willingness to engage in further discussions about the long-debated proposal.

The issue was raised in the House of Lords on Monday (7) by Labour peer Lord Sahota, who asked whether there had been any progress on long-standing calls for a Sikh regiment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heatwave Alert: Don’t Leave Contraceptives or Medication in Cars

Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

iStock

Drivers warned to remove contraceptives and medication from cars during UK heatwave

Highlights:

  • Experts urge motorists to avoid leaving certain items in vehicles during upcoming heatwave
  • Temperatures expected to rise above 30°C across large parts of the UK
  • Contraceptives and common medications can lose effectiveness in high heat
  • Heat can also damage everyday items like sunglasses, suncream and vape devices

Drivers urged to act as UK braces for extended heatwave

Drivers across the UK are being urged to remove a range of everyday items from their cars ahead of a predicted heatwave, with experts warning that the rising temperatures could pose both safety and health risks.

The Met Office has forecast a prolonged spell of hot weather, with temperatures expected to soar into the low 30s on Thursday and Friday. Much of the UK is likely to hit its regional heatwave threshold by the weekend, with this episode potentially affecting a wider area and lasting longer than previous hot spells.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal Mail

The Royal Mail logo is seen on the side of a van as the UK government clear a 3.57 billion pound takeover offer by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky in London, December 16, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Ofcom updates Royal Mail delivery targets, starts pricing review

MEDIA regulator Ofcom has set new minimum delivery standards for Royal Mail and revised existing targets in an effort to reduce delays. It also announced a review into pricing and affordability, amid concerns over rising stamp prices.

Royal Mail, which has faced fines of around $20 million over the past two years for not meeting delivery targets, is currently trying to modernise operations and focus more on parcel deliveries.

Keep ReadingShow less