African Cullinan diamond on King Charles’s crown are unlikely to be returned, here’s why

Opera singer Pretty Yende and foreign minister Naledi Pandor were not the only South African representatives present at King Charles III's coronation. The stones cut from the Cullinan diamond, the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered, were also in attendance.

The Cullinan diamond, named after Thomas Cullinan, the chairman of the mining company that unearthed it in South Africa in 1905, was purchased by the Transvaal colony's government and presented to King Edward VII in 1907, according to reports.. The diamond was then cut into nine stones and 97 fragments.
The largest of these stones, known as Cullinan 1 or the Star of Africa, was set atop the scepter presented to King Charles during the coronation ceremony. Another significant stone, Cullinan 2, was set in the front of the crown he wore. Additional stones from the Cullinan diamond are either in the possession of the British royal family or on display in the Tower of London.

The coronation has reignited calls for the return of the Cullinan diamonds to South Africa. These demands are part of a broader global conversation about the repatriation of cultural artifacts taken from former colonies by colonial powers.

The justifications for the return of the Cullinan diamonds have been voiced by various individuals and groups. South Africa's third-largest political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, and member of parliament Vuyolwethu Zungula from the African Transformation Movement have both advocated for their return. Additionally, Johannesburg lawyer and activist Mothusi Kamanga initiated an online petition that gathered 8,000 signatures in favor of repatriation.

While activists believe their moral case for the return of the diamonds is undeniable, several complications arise when considering such repatriation.

Story about The Crown obtaining the diamonds

One complication relates to the circumstances under which the diamonds were obtained. A report in The Conversation says that, in 1907, Prime Minister Louis Botha of the Transvaal, one of the Boer Republics defeated by Britain in the South African War, proposed purchasing the Cullinan diamond as a symbol of loyalty to King Edward VII. Botha's gesture seems curious given his previous role as a Boer general during the war. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the diamonds were legally given by the forerunner government of South Africa rather than stolen.

Why African Diamonds in the Crown won’t be returned?

The likelihood of the diamonds being returned is uncertain, particularly without an official request from the South African government. King Charles has shown support for investigations into the monarchy's connection to slavery, but dismantling the crown jewels is highly unlikely. Any decision regarding the diamonds would ultimately rest with the ruling government, but such a move would likely provoke opposition from the right wing of the Conservative Party, which aims to stoke "culture wars" centered around whiteness and nationalism.

British governments may argue that the Cullinan diamonds were freely given by Louis Botha, and South Africa would need to mount a determined effort if it seeks their return.

FAQs

Q1:Is the Cullinan Diamond in the royal crown?
The magnificent Cullinan Diamond – the largest diamond ever found- is incorporated into the Crown Jewels.

Q2:What diamond is in the King's crown?
The Cullinan II diamond