Mark Appleby is the man in charge of the Crown Jewels – and visited York to give an insight into his unique role
The death of a monarch and the crowning of a new one is a time of ceremony, ritual and solemnity as we’ve all seen over the past year. For Mark Appleby, both occasions thrust his role as official crown jeweller into the spotlight. In view of millions; the man in soft gloves placed the crown, orb and sceptre onto Queen Elizabeth II’s draped coffin. And weeks later, in view of millions, he prepared the crowns and ceremonial regalia for the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Watch any of coverage of the coronation and you will see Mark wherever there is a monarch and regalia. He was the man who instructed Penny Mordaunt how to hold the sword of state, not to mention preparing the many others who played a ceremonial part in the historic event – including instruction in holding a precious orb so you don’t drop it.
Mark and his 13-strong team had to resize and remodel the crowns for King Charles and Camilla as well as put into practice years of rehearsal and preparation for the historic events, ensuring every piece of regalia was at its sparkling best.
Crown jeweller is an honorary role – basically, personal jeweller to the monarch – as well as overseeing the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Mark is also director of jewellery services for Mappin & Webb, holder of royal warrants.
When King Charles and Queen Camilla visited York earlier this year to hand out Maundy Money at Easter, Mark was on hand to make sure the coins were prepared for the ceremony.
His return visit to York was to mark the opening of the luxurious new Mappin & Webb store in Davygate. Part of the Watches of Switzerland Group, Mappin & Webb is a British firm that was bor
