Current:Home > InvestScotland's "Stone of Destiny'' has an ancient role in King Charles' coronation. Learn its centuries-old story. -Aspire Money Growth
Scotland's "Stone of Destiny'' has an ancient role in King Charles' coronation. Learn its centuries-old story.
View
Date:2025-04-13 06:05:15
London — The "Stone of Destiny," an ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy, was on its way from Edinburgh Castle to London on Friday to play its role in the coronation of King Charles III on May 6. The stone, also known as the "Stone of Scone," was used for the coronation of Scotland's kings until it was seized more than 700 years ago by the then-King of England, Edward I.
- King Charles III's coronation: What to know for the centuries-old ceremony
The 335-pound stone was then held in Westminster Abbey — incorporated into the Coronation Chair — until 1996, when it was permanently returned to Scotland. It was agreed at the time of its return, however, that it would be brought back to England for future coronation ceremonies.
The trip up to the north in 1996 wasn't the stone's first return to Scotland, however. Several years before the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, in 1950, four students from Glasgow broke into Westminster Abbey and took the stone.
"The Stone of Destiny is Scotland's icon," Ian Hamilton, the leader of the group who died last year, told CBS News partner network BBC News in an interview. "In one of the many invasions by the English into Scotland, they took away the symbol of our nation. To bring it back was a very symbolic gesture."
The stone was returned to Westminster Abbey the following year, however, and reincorporated into the Coronation Chair. Two years after that, in 1953, it was part of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
A ceremony was held at Edinburgh Castle ahead of the stone's return visit to London for King Charles' coronation. It was then transported in a special carrier made of Scottish oak to London.
After King Charles' coronation, it will be returned to Edinburgh Castle, where it is stored with Scotland's crown jewels.
- In:
- King Charles III
- Coronation
Haley Ott is an international reporter for CBS News based in London.
TwitterveryGood! (4515)
Related
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- Court convicts Portuguese hacker in Football Leaks trial and gives him a 4-year suspended sentence
- Bryce Young's rough NFL debut for Panthers is no reason to panic about the No. 1 pick
- Tennessee father and son killed when jet ski crashes into barge on lake near Nashville
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- What does 'iykyk' mean? Get in on the joke and understand how to use this texting slang.
- South Dakota panel denies application for CO2 pipeline; Summit to refile for permit
- The search for Cyprus’ missing goes high-tech as time weighs on loved ones waiting for closure
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Tim Burton slams artificial intelligence version of his style: 'A robot taking your humanity'
Ranking
- The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
- Virginia police announce arrest in 1994 cold case using DNA evidence
- US approves updated COVID vaccines to rev up protection this fall
- The search for Cyprus’ missing goes high-tech as time weighs on loved ones waiting for closure
- Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
- A new campaign ad from Poland’s ruling party features Germany’s chancellor in unfavorable light
- Harris, DeSantis, Giuliani among politicians marking Sept. 11 terror attacks at ground zero
- ManningCast 2023 schedule on ESPN: 10 Monday night simulcasts during season
Recommendation
Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
When is 'AGT' on? How to vote for finalists; where to watch 2023 live shows
Cyberattack shuts down IT systems at MGM hotels in Las Vegas
Aaron Rodgers hurts ankle in first series for Jets, is carted off sideline and ruled out of game
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
As US East Coast ramps up offshore wind power projects, much remains unknown
Blake Lively Makes Golden Appearance at Michael Kors' Star-Studded New York Fashion Week Show
Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco areas gain people after correction of errors