Have you ever wondered what exactly are the Crown Jewels, or why kings and queens wear crowns?

We tell the extraordinary history of the British Crown Jewels, and how over the centuries they have been lost and stolen, melted down, and remade. Among the crowns, sceptres and orbs, there is even a single stone – the Koh-i-Noor diamond – which is believed to be so cursed that kings are afraid to wear it.

You may well ask yourself, how are these things relevant to me? Well, as symbols of power they are invaluable, literally and symbolically, to both you, and I, and the State – although it is unlikely that we will ever wear a crown ourselves. 

Narrated by Luke Irwin

Sound editing by Max Watson

Script by Camilla Akers-Douglas

Produced by Camilla Akers-Douglas and Henrietta McMicking

Theme music by James Burrell Music

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