Why Queen Camilla will not wear the Kohinoor diamond for her coronation

In recent years, the Kohinoor diamond has been a subject matter of debate, with India seeking its return from the UK. The British have however refused to part with it

Queen Consort Camilla, wife of King Charles will not wear the Kohinoor diamond for her coronation at Westminster Abbey in May, the Buckingham Palace said.

Camilla's choice of crown has been a subject matter of speculation and discussion. Some reports had suggested that she wanted to wear the crown Charles' grandmother, the Queen Mother, wore, which bears the Kohinoor. The decision not to wear the crown may have been taken over the fear of backlash as the crown is estimated to be worth around $400 million.

Camilla's choice of the Queen Mary Crown crown may only have a duplicate of the original. Moreover the choice marks a first since the 18th century as Camilla will be the first consort to reuse a crown at the coronation.

"The choice of Queen Mary's Crown by Her Majesty is the first time in recent history that an existing crown will be used for the Coronation of a Consort instead of a new commission being made, in the interests of sustainability and efficiency," Buckingham Palace said.

The Kohinoor, which means 'mountain of light' in Persian was put in a cross on Queen Mary's Crown in 1911. The diamond was then transferred to the Queen Mother's crown for her and King George VI's coronation that took place in 1937. The first time the Kohinoor was mentioned in writing was in 1628 during the Mughal Empire.

The diamond kept changing hands before it finally fell into the hands of Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh in 1813. After returning the diamond to India, Singh passed away in 1839.

About the Kohinoor Diamond:

The Kohinoor is said to have originated from the Golconda mines in South India. It has been owned by a number of Indian and Persian rulers before being taken into possession by the British East India Company in the mid-19th century. The diamond was taken away by the British as part of the Treaty of Lahore in 1849 following the defeat of the Sikh Empire.

Today the diamond which is part of the British Crown Jewels is kept in the Tower of London. The Kohinoor Diamond weighs around 105.6 carats.

In recent years, there have been calls for the Kohinoor diamond to be returned to India, with the Indian government making diplomatic efforts to have the same returned. However the British maintain that it was obtained legally under the Treaty of Lahore. The issue till date remains a contentious one.