Coronet worn by Princess Patricia

This coronet was believed to have been worn by Princess Louise, Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn to the coronation of Edward VII and his wife, Alexandra on 9 August 1902 in Westminster Abbey. Following a tradition that dates back at least 400 years, it would have been worn with a red coronation robe and long white dress. As Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn, Princess Louise belonged to a group of noble people known as peers of which there are five categories, duke, marquis, earl, viscount and baron. The coronet design reflects the rank the wearer held within the peerage. Once the new sovereign had been crowned, as part of the coronation ceremony she would have placed the coronet upon her head along with all the other peers in the congregation. It was made by the jewellers Garrard of London. Garrards have been entrusted with setting and designing some of the most precious rare gems and jewellery in the world, and have been the official Crown Jewellers since 1843. The coronet is a good example of the high quality of their craftsmanship. In 1910, at the request of King George V, Garrard created a setting for the largest cut colourless diamond in the world, the 'Great Star of Africa', positioning it at the very top of the Sovereign's Sceptre which has been used at the coronation of every monarch since Charles II's in 1661. Garrards also made one of the most recognised rings in the world; Diana, Princess of Wales's sapphire engagement ring now belonging to Catherine, Princess of Wales.