Charles III’s coronation: why a spoon and not a crown carries more weight

Most items of regalia used for coronation are at most 350-years-old, but there is one notable exception

Jewel-encrusted crowns, swords and sceptres may glitter the brightest at Charles III’s coronation, but of all regalia the most significant from a historical perspective may be a simple spoon.

When the 2,000 guests witness the crowning at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, the regalia – sacred objects symbolising monarchical duties and powers – will play the part they have played in this same theatre for almost 1,000 years.