Queen Camilla has been requested not to wear the Cullinan diamond during the visit by the South African President next week as a leading trade unionist in the Rainbow Nation claimed it could be an “unfortunate” reminder of colonialism.
The President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, accompanied by Dr Tshepo Motsepe, will pay a state visit to the United Kingdom between November 22 to November 24.
The King and the Queen Consort will host the state visit at Buckingham Palace.
The Telegraph reported that Zwelinzima Vavi, one of South Africa’s best-known trade unionists whose father worked in the gold mining industry during the height of apartheid, said that if the diamond was worn by either the Queen Consort or the Princess of Wales it would be a “most unfortunate” reminder of the colonial era’s past
The news report further stated that it is the largest rough-cut diamond ever found and it was mined in South Africa in 1905 before being presented to King Edward VII as a gesture of friendship and loyalty.
The 3,106 carat uncut Cullinan diamond was discovered at the Premier Mine near Pretoria.
Queen Elizabeth II reportedly was aware that the jewellery “could often speak louder than words” and used it to send messages of friendship.
In October 2018, she wore the Cullinan diamonds for a state banquet at Buckingham Palace during a visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.
The choice was considered a nod to the fact that the diamonds had been cut in Amsterdam.
