Imperial orb of British monarchs
The orb of British monarchs ( English Sovereign's Orb ) is part of the British coronation insignia, the crown jewels . It was made in 1661 for the coronation of Charles II at a cost of £ 1,150 .
The imperial orb is a 1.2 kg hollow golden sphere with a diameter of 16.5 cm. Around the middle there is a stripe with pearls and precious stones. An equally decorated strip runs on the upper half through the upper center of the sphere. The apple is crowned by a cross-shaped amethyst . The imperial orb is a religious symbol; he represents the role of the monarch as defender of the faith and head of the Church of England .
During the coronation , the Archbishop of Canterbury hands the orb into the monarch's right hand. The imperial orb is then placed on an altar, where it remains until the end of the ceremony. At the end of the ritual, the monarch holds the orb in his left hand, the scepter and cross in his right hand, and wears the Imperial State Crown as he leaves Westminster Abbey .