Camilla's controversial move ahead of coronation

The Queen Consort has made some concerning changes to her crown.

Camilla, Queen Consort, has made a controversial change to her crown ahead of the coronation on Saturday after choosing to replace the Kohinoor diamond from her crown with three other concerning jewels.

The infamous Kohinoor diamond was used for Queen Mary's crown for the 1911 coronation of George V, with India coming forward after the late Queen Elizabeth II's death, saying the diamond, which is believed to be the world's most expensive diamond, was stolen from them.

Camilla, Queen Consort
Camilla, Queen Consort, has made a controversial change to her crown for the coronation. Photo: Getty

It reignited a debate about correcting British colonialism and returning stolen items to their correct owners.

According to a South African scholar, Camilla has replaced the Kohinoor diamond with three other problematic diamonds, which are believed to be fragments of the largest diamond ever found: The Cullinan III, IV and V. However, these diamonds are a reminder of Britain's brutal colonial past.

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"The history of the Cullinan diamond is an epitome of the history of colonialism and imperialism. It is a history of denying Africans their humanity and their rights," University of South Africa professor Everisto Benyera told the ABC.

The Cullinan diamond was found in a large mine in South Africa in 1905 and weighed in at a huge 3,106 carats and was roughly the size of a human heart.

Kohinoor diamond
The infamous Kohinoor diamond was used for Queen Mary's crown for the 1911 coronation of George V. Photo: Getty
Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Cullinan V
Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Cullinan V as a brooch. Photo: Getty

The Royal Collection Trust claims the Cullinan diamond is the largest diamond to ever be found, with the official website reading, "The stone was found near Pretoria in modern-day South Africa in 1905, and is named after the chairman of the mining company, Thomas Cullinan."

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It is understood the royal family came into possession of the diamond after the Boer War, a three-year conflict over the British Empire's influence in Southern Africa, which Britain ultimately won.

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After the war, the diamond was gifted to Edward VII for his birthday.

The Palace shared a statement earlier this year about the change to the crown, which read: "Some minor changes and additions will be undertaken by the Crown Jeweller, in keeping with the longstanding tradition that the insertion of jewels is unique to the occasion, and reflects the Consort’s individual style.

"These changes will in particular pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as the Crown will be reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds. The diamonds were part of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewellery collection for many years and were often worn by Her late Majesty as brooches."

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