The Archbishop of Canterbury has admitted that the Stone of Destiny, which will be used to crown King Charles III today, was initially "nicked" from Scotland.
Justin Welby met BBC broadcaster Huw Edwards at Westminster Abbey to discuss the Coronation ceremony. The iconic stone is currently sitting beneath the chair where Charles will be crowned.
And as the pair discussed the historical aftefact, the Archbishop admitted the Stone of Destiny was stolen from Scotland hundreds of years ago, before being returned in the 1990s. And he promised that it would be returned again after today's ceremony.
He said: "The Stone of Destiny, this was used for the enthroning of Scottish kings before Edward I nicked it basically. It went back to Scotland quite rightly in 1996 with the promise it could come for the Coronation and of course it will go back to Scotland afterwards."
The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, was originally used in the Coronation of the monarchs of Scotland and is seen as a historic symbol of Scotland's monarchy.
The Scone sandstone relic left Edinburgh Castle for the first time since 1996 last week to be transported to London for the enthronement of King Charles III. It has now be placed beneath the Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey.
In preparation for its temporary departure, a ceremonial procession took place from the castle’s Great Hall last Friday, led by the Lord Lyon King of Arms - the monarch’s representative in Scotland.
First Minister Humza Yousaf was in attendance in his capacity as the Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who care for the stone, worked with Police Scotland to ensure it could be transported safely and securely.
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