Ministers Bar Export Of Queen Victoria Crown Made By Prince Albert

The export of an "iconic" coronet worn by Queen Victoria has been blocked by the Government.

The sapphire and diamond crown was designed for the monarch by Prince Albert in 1840, the year of their wedding.

It has been sold to a buyer who wants to take it out of Britain, but the Government's temporary ban has put that on hold.

Culture minister Matt Hancock, who imposed the ban, said he hoped a UK buyer would come forward to match the £5m asking price.

He said: "It is one of the most iconic jewels from a pivotal period in our history and symbolises one of our nation's most famous love stories.

"I hope that we are able to keep the coronet in the UK and on display for the public to enjoy for years to come."

The coronet is decorated with 11 sapphires set in gold and diamonds set in silver.

It was made in 1842 at a cost of £415, using stones which came from jewellery given to Queen Victoria by her uncle and predecessor William IV.

The jewels matched the sapphire and diamond brooch that Prince Albert gave to Victoria the day before their wedding.

Victoria wore the coronet for the state opening of parliament in 1866, the first time she had attended the ceremony since the death of Albert five years earlier.

The coronet was passed down to George V, who gave it to Princess Mary on her marriage to Viscount Lascelles in 1922.

It was later purchased by a dealer in London, who sold it on to the overseas buyer who has applied for an export licence.

The temporary ban on its export followed a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

Committee member Philippa Glanville described the coronet as "exquisite".

She added: "It evokes vividly the shared romantic taste of the time, and its form has become familiar through many reproductions. Its departure would be a great loss, given its beauty, its associations and its history."

The decision on the export licence has been deferred until 27 December, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said.