Ordnance Insignia of the British Army

Just what are Kings & Queens Crowns?

It is accepted practice in military history books and insignia catalogues to describe the crown worn on military insignia as QVC, KC or QC. But what crowns are really being depicted? Did Queen Victoria really have her own crown? Well yes she did, but not the crown normally associated with the term! This short article is intended to try at least to enable the collector or researcher to understand which crown is depicted and what the real crowns are used for. Plus illustrate what are accepted as QVC, KC & QC in military insignia.

Queen Victoria's Crown (QVC)

Isn't strictly Queen Victoria'at all, because it was used by most monarchs before and after her.
It is in fact the St. Edward's Crown.

St. Edwards Crown

This famous crown is used only once for the coronation of each new British Monarch, for the actual crowning. Made of gold, it is set with precious and semi-precious stones and weighs over 5 pounds (2.25 kg). Known to have been made in its present form after the restoration of the Monarchy for the coronation of King Charles II in 1661, it is reputed to contain part of the crown of Edward the Confessor, which dates back to the 11th Century. Last used for the coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this crown is currently on show at HM Tower of London.

The 'real' Queen Victorias Crown
(This crown has been depected on some Medals)

In 1870 Queen Victoria, finding the Imperial State Crown too heavy, designed and commissioned this small crown to be made, using some of the diamonds from her own collection - mainly from a large necklace. Tiny, just 3.7” (9.9 cm) in height and 3.4” (9cm) in diameter, the crown is set with some 1300 diamonds.
This Small Diamond Crown was worn by Queen Victoria on a great number of occasions, including the opening of Parliament. On her death in 1901 the crown was placed on her coffin at Osborne House. The crown has since been broken up. Today only the shell remains with all the stones removed.

Kings Crown (KC)

Known to the Edwardian soldier as "Teddie's hat" is the Imperial state crown which was made for Queen Victoria when she became Empress of India. She did not like the St. Edward's crown much and always found it too heavy to wear on state occasions. After her death, the Kings were depicted wearing it on coins, banknotes etc, and it was used on buttons and badges, so it became known as the 'King's crown'

Note - Edward VII - George V - Edward VIII - George VI

Imperial State Crown

Worn by the monarch at the end of the coronation ceremony, and annually at the State Opening of Parliament, this superb crown is virtually priceless because of its major stones, famous either for their historical interest or their actual value. A sapphire set in the Maltese Cross at the top of the crown is said to have been taken from a ring found on the finger of Edward the Confessor when he was re-interred at Westminster Abbey by Henry II in 1163. Among the many other gems are included the huge Black Prince’s Ruby, below which is set the Second Star of Africa diamond (317 cts) cut from the Cullinan Diamond. The crown contains over 2800 other precious gems and pearls. Other than when it is in use, this crown is on show at HM Tower of London.

Queens Crown (QC)

We are now back to the St. Edwards Crown.

After more than 50 years of using the Imperial Crown on military insignia. It was desided to give the Queen a more modern look, so the St. Edwards Crown was adopted for use in 1952, and most Regiments & Corps had new "Queens Crown" Badges & Buttons adopted in time for her corrination in May 1953.

Examples of Military Crowns

Queen Victoria's Crown (QVC) 1837 - 1901
(St. Edwards Crown)

Kings Crown (KC) 1901 - 1952
(Imperial State Crown)

Queens Crown (QC) 1952 onwards
( St. Edwards Crown)

Royal Crowns as depicted on Medals

It is on medals that you will see the that there is no such thing as a Kings or Queens Crown.
At the left you see Queen Victoria in a Veiled Head and her own small Crown.
Next is King George V & VI both wearing the Imperial State Crown
Followed by Queen Elizabeth II wearing both the Imperial State Crown & St. Edwards Crown.

M Comerford - August 2003 - HTML Revision 1