When it came to tradition, Queen Elizabeth II was always meticulous.
During her remarkable 70-year reign, she presided over almost every State Opening of Parliament—missing only three.
One of her biggest challenges was delivering the government’s legislative programme while balancing the 2.3lb Imperial State Crown on her head.
The crown itself is no ordinary piece of jewellery. Adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and four rubies, it is both dazzling and extremely heavy.
To make sure everything went smoothly, the Queen developed a habit: she would ask for the crown to be sent to her a day early so she could practise wearing it before the big occasion.
Lessons from the Coronation
That careful approach wasn’t new. After the sudden death of her father, King George VI, in 1952, Elizabeth had 16 months to prepare for her coronation.
Despite the rain on that June day in 1953, the ceremony went ahead with few errors—thanks to months of rehearsals and her dedication to practising every detail.
Her son, King Charles III, recently shared a heart-warming memory in the documentary Coronation Girls.
He recalled how, as children, he and Princess Anne would see their mother walking around Buckingham Palace wearing St Edward’s Crown—the one used for coronations—even during bath time.
Charles laughed as he remembered, saying she was simply getting used to the crown’s weight.
A Mother and Monarch
This story isn’t new to Charles. He has shared it before, including in a BBC tribute for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee back in 2012.
For him, it’s a vivid reminder of his mother’s ability to balance her royal duties with her role as a parent.
Practising with a crown during bath time may have seemed funny at the time, but it also showed her unwavering commitment to her role.
The Queen’s Final State Openings
The Queen’s final appearance at the State Opening of Parliament came in 2021, just one month after the death of Prince Philip.
Because of Covid restrictions, the ceremony was scaled back.
She did not wear the Imperial State Crown or her ceremonial robes, instead appearing in what royal officials called “day dress”—a coat and hat.
The crown was placed separately on a table nearby.
By May 2022, her health meant she could no longer attend. On her doctor’s advice, she missed the event for the first time in nearly six decades. Charles, then Prince of Wales, stepped in, sitting in the consort’s throne once used by his father.
In a poignant moment, the Queen’s larger throne was left empty, while the Imperial State Crown rested on a velvet cushion beside him.
The Passing of Tradition
That moment was symbolic. It marked the gradual passing of responsibility from mother to son.
Just over a year later, in November 2023, Charles would deliver the State Opening speech as King himself, carrying forward the traditions that his mother had honoured so faithfully.
