Sovereign's Orb facts for kids
The Sovereign's Orb is a special golden ball used in the coronation ceremony of British kings and queens. It was made for King Charles II in 1661 by a royal goldsmith named Robert Viner. This beautiful orb is crafted from gold and decorated with many precious stones like sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethysts, diamonds, and pearls. It also has enamel details. Since Charles II's coronation, the Sovereign's Orb has been used in every coronation ceremony.
In 1671, the orb was damaged when a man named Thomas Blood tried to steal the Crown Jewels. The orb is a symbol of Christian rule over the world. For the coronation of George I in 1714, it was decorated with new diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
During the coronation, the Archbishop of Canterbury places the orb in the monarch's right hand. Later, it is put back on the altar. When the ceremony ends, the king or queen leaves wearing the Crown, carrying the Scepter, and holding the Orb.
When William and Mary became King and Queen in 1689, a second orb was made for Mary II. This orb is known as Queen Mary's Orb. It was only used once. Both the Sovereign's Orb and Queen Mary's Orb were placed on Queen Victoria's coffin at her funeral.
Both orbs are hollow and made of gold. The Sovereign's Orb is about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) across and weighs around 42 ounces (1.2 kg). Queen Mary's Orb is a bit smaller, measuring about 5.75 inches (14.6 cm) across and weighing about 34 ounces (0.96 kg). Queen Mary's Orb now has fake jewels for display. The Sovereign's Orb is still covered with over 600 real precious stones and pearls.
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What is the Sovereign's Orb?
The Sovereign's Orb is a hollow golden ball topped with a cross. It is one of the most important items used when a new king or queen is crowned in the United Kingdom. It represents the monarch's power and their role as a Christian ruler.
How the Orb is Used
During the coronation ceremony, the orb is presented to the monarch. This happens after they have been anointed with holy oil. The Archbishop of Canterbury places the orb in the monarch's right hand. This moment shows that the monarch's power comes from God. After this, the orb is placed on the altar. The monarch then leaves the ceremony holding the orb, along with the Crown and the Scepter.
The Orb's History
The current Sovereign's Orb was made in 1661. This was for the coronation of King Charles II. Many of the original Crown Jewels had been melted down during the English Civil War. So, new ones had to be made when the monarchy was restored.
The Attempted Theft
In 1671, a man named Thomas Blood tried to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. He managed to grab the orb and flatten it with a mallet. Luckily, he was caught, and the orb was repaired. This event shows how valuable and important these items are.
Queen Mary's Orb
When William III and Mary II became joint rulers in 1689, a special orb was made for Queen Mary. This was because she ruled alongside her husband. It is smaller than the Sovereign's Orb. It was only used for her coronation. Today, it is part of the Crown Jewels display.
Images for kids
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Elizabeth II dressed in her regalia, 1953
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King Æthelstan presenting an illuminated manuscript to St Cuthbert, c. 930
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First great seal of the Confessor
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The Stone of Scone in the Coronation Chair, 1859
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Elizabeth I, c. 1600
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Charles I standing beside Henry VIII's Crown and a gold orb and sceptre, 1631
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Thomas Blood making his escape, drawn 1793
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Queen Mary's Crown
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Coronet of Prince Frederick
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Left to right: The Sword of Offering, the Sword of State, and the Sword of Mercy
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Trumpeters and a mace bearer at the 1685 coronation of James II
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The Ampulla
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Queen Victoria wearing a copy of the Imperial Mantle, now in the Museum of London, 1838
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Sovereign's Orb
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Head of Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross
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Altar dishes behind George V at his coronation in 1911
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Lily Font on top of the Charles II Font and Basin at the christening of Edward, Prince of Wales, 1842
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