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Who is allowed to touch the Crown Jewels?


The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom contain some of the most precious and historically significant gems and artifacts in the world. They are housed in the Tower of London and attract over 2.5 million visitors every year who come to view the incredible collection. However, access to the Crown Jewels is tightly restricted and only a very select few people are permitted to handle or touch the priceless objects. In this article, we’ll take a look at who exactly is allowed to come into physical contact with the Crown Jewels and under what circumstances this contact may occur.

The Queen

As the current reigning monarch of the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth II has the most access to the Crown Jewels. She is permitted to handle and wear the various crowns, orbs, scepters, rings, and other objects that make up the collection on certain occasions. This includes during her original coronation ceremony when she was crowned Queen in 1953. It is also tradition for each new monarch to be crowned with St. Edward’s Crown, a centerpiece of the collection.

The Queen also wears the Imperial State Crown, another one of the most important Crown Jewels, each year at the State Opening of Parliament. The crown contains some of the most famous diamonds and gems associated with British royalty including the Black Prince’s Ruby and Cullinan II diamond. Only the Queen is allowed to actually touch and wear these historic pieces, marking the unique privilege afforded to the reigning sovereign.

Certain Members of the Royal Family

In addition to the monarch, certain other senior members of the British Royal Family are permitted to touch and even wear elements of the Crown Jewels on designated occasions. This includes the consort of the monarch. For instance, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, was able to touch and handle various Crown Jewels during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ceremony as part of the ritual and regalia.

Other individuals who may come into direct contact with Crown Jewels during coronation ceremonies and other important state events include the Archbishop of Canterbury, who places St. Edward’s Crown on the new monarch’s head during coronation, and other clergy members involved in the religious rituals.

The heir apparent to the throne is also allowed to touch and even wear Crown Jewels at times in preparation for eventually succeeding to the throne. For example, prior to actually being crowned, Queen Elizabeth II wore the Imperial State Crown and held the Sovereign’s Orb during a practice run of her eventual coronation ceremony when she was still the heir to the throne.

The Crown Jeweler

The official Crown Jeweler is permitted to handle the Crown Jewels for cleaning, maintenance, repairs, and sizing adjustments. The Crown Jeweler works out of the Jewel House at the Tower of London and is responsible for regularly inspecting the condition of the precious objects that make up the collection and performing any necessary upkeep.

This role requires direct physical contact with even the most priceless Crown Jewels on a routine basis. However, the Crown Jeweler must adhere to extremely strict rules and procedures when working with the objects. Every precaution is taken to avoid damage and special tools may be used in handling certain artifacts. The Crown Jeweler operates under close supervision when performing duties involving the Crown Jewels.

Staff of the Jewel House

The staff who work at the Jewel House in the Tower of London are also allowed to come into physical contact with the Crown Jewels as part of their regular duties and responsibilities. This includes personnel such as curators and security guards.

However, similar to the Crown Jeweler, these staff members must follow established protocols for handling any of the objects. Guards may periodically inspect pieces for damage or wear but are not permitted prolonged contact. Curators may handle artifacts with care when arranging Tower of London displays containing Crown Jewels. Close oversight ensures no accidents or misuse.

Regular maintenance requiring the movement of Crown Jewels in or out of display cases also necessitates brief contact by Tower of London employees. But again, this is done according to formal procedures and always under supervision. The utmost care is taken by staff when interacting with any of the priceless Crown Jewels firsthand.

VIPs and Dignitaries

On special occasions, certain VIPs and dignitaries may be granted carefully controlled access to touch or hold items from the Crown Jewels collection. One example is foreign heads of state on official state visits to the United Kingdom. As a courtesy and sign of trust, the monarch may allow visiting royals and presidents to briefly handle certain artifacts from the Crown Jewels under tight supervision.

This is an exceptional privilege not open to the general public. It represents a symbolic gesture and diplomatic honor reserved only for the most important guests. Strict conditions are placed even on high-profile VIPs permitted this access and their contact with Crown Jewels is heavily monitored.

The General Public

For the general public, there are very limited possibilities to potentially come into any kind of direct physical contact with the Crown Jewels. Touching or handling the items is forbidden for regular Tower of London visitors and tourists. This is to prevent any damage or wear and tear.

However, anyone who tours the Jewel House will pass close by the Crown Jewels displays. It may be possible to briefly touch the glass cases housing the collection, but this is the only real access permitted to ordinary sightseers. Trying to reach in and make contact with the artifacts themselves would be quickly stopped by security.

So, while they can get a up-close look, the Crown Jewels themselves remain completely off-limits in terms of touch for the average person visiting the Tower. Only the select few mentioned above can actually lay hands on Britain’s priceless royal treasures.

During Official Photographs

One other instance providing the chance for limited physical contact with elements of the Crown Jewels is during official photographs. For promotional images, record keeping, and historical documentation, photographers may be authorized to take pictures of certain VIPs or dignitaries interacting with specific Crown Jewels.

But this access is only granted with great caution and any handling of artifacts is closely governed. The Royal Collection Trust oversees any photoshoot involving the Crown Jewels, stipulating parameters to prevent damage and minimize direct contact. Each piece is thoroughly inspected after photographs.

This represents another tightly controlled exception for allowing someone not normally permitted to touch the Crown Jewels to make brief physical contact under supervision for photographic documentation. Even then, only select objects may be involved and strict rules apply.

Conclusion

The Crown Jewels represent the most valuable and revered objects belonging to the British Monarchy. Access is extremely restricted, with only the reigning sovereign, such as Queen Elizabeth II, having regular direct contact. Royal family members, authorized personnel like the Crown Jeweler, and certain VIPs may handle pieces briefly in specific ceremonial or functional circumstances.

For the general public though, the Crown Jewels are purely hands-off. Their rarity and significance limits physical interaction to just the highest echelons of British society. This limited access has preserved the Crown Jewels for centuries and will continue guarding them far into the future.