Page 151 - The Royal Coronation Ceremony

The Great Crown of Victory

or “Phra Maha Phichai Mongkut”

The crown was made by the royal command of King Rama I and ornamented with
diamonds set in gold enamel. The whole crown is 66 centimeters high and weighs 7.3
kilograms. King Rama IV, later ordered the “Phum Khao Bin” tip of the crown replaced
with a large diamond, bought from Kolkata, India. The diamond was named “Phra Maha
Wichian Mani.”

In previous days, the crown was considered the next most important item in
the whole set of Royal Regalia, following the Nine-tiered Umbrella in importance. Upon
receiving the crown, the King only placed the crown next to himself. But later, when
Siam had more contact with European countries and reviewed their royal procedures,

Siam changed the status of the crown. In Europe, the status of Kingship is bestowed
when the King puts on the crown. Therefore, when King Rama IV was coronated and
presented with the crown, His Majesty placed the crown upon his head and gave an
audience to the foreign diplomatic corps while wearing it. From then on, the Great Crown
of Victory was reconsidered as the most important article of all the Royal Regalia and
every King will wear this crown in the Royal Coronation Ceremony.

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The Royal Coronation Ceremony