Heavy is the head that wears the crown and when that crown was the Imperial State Crown - which weighs just over a kilogram (2.3 pounds) - Shakespeare’s famous line has never rung more true. Traditionally worn at the State Opening of Parliament, Queen Elizabeth II wore the crown for all but three of the state openings throughout her historic 70-year reign.
So how did she handle wearing such a heavy crown, especially in her later years? Well, in keeping with her straightforward nature, Her Majesty kept things practical, giving herself plenty of time to prepare before she would need to wear this magnificent headpiece.
