Charles was officially crowned King in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey today, which saw world leaders and international royals fly into London for the historic moment. But, amid the pomp and pageantry, everyone has been asking the same question: how heavy is the crown Charles is wearing at the Coronation? And how much is it worth?
As Charles made his way out of Westminster Abbey, his and Camilla's crowns were wobbling atop their heads and Twitter was worried. They looked seriously precarious. So, in case you've got questions about the new King's headwear and just how much strain his neck was under this afternoon, here's everything you need to know:
So, how heavy is the Coronation crown?
Charles III officially became King when the Archbishop of Canterbury placed a weighty gold and jewel-covered crown on his head. Known as St Edward's Crown, the historic accessory has 444 gemstones and a white fluffy trim.
Today is the only time King Charles will have to wear the solid gold Coronation crown, which has a purple velvet cap is topped with a cross and set with tourmalines, topazes, sapphires, garnet, rubies and amethysts. The crown, last worn by Elizabeth II in 1953, weighs 2.08 kilograms, which is heavier than having a mini laptop or pair of boots on your head.
But Charles will only wear the Coronation crown until the end of the Westminster Abbey ceremony when he'll swap it out for the Imperial State Crown, which weighs roughly half as much, for the procession back to Buckingham Palace. Jokingly, Queen Elizabeth II used to call the lighter Imperial State Crown her "party hat".
And how much is the Coronation crown worth?
There's been loads of speculation over the years amongst experts over how much St Edward's Crown is actually worth. But, with 444 gemstones and a solid gold cross, it's definitely got some serious value. According to latest estimations, the crown Charles wore at the Coronation is worth between £3 billion and £5 billion. Meanwhile the Imperial State Crown, with 2,868 diamonds, is worth around £5 billion.