The death of British monarch Elizabeth II has sparked debate over the crown jewels of the British Royal Family. At the beginning of the 20th century, the largest diamond ever found in South Africa was discovered and finally offered to the royal family. Now politicians and activists are demanding that the gems be returned.
The Cullinan diamond had a proud 3106 carats or 621.35 grams in its natural form. That’s about the size of a human heart. After being split up in the Netherlands, various parts were processed into the British crown jewels. One large piece (the so-called “Star of Africa”) has since been decorated with a royal scepter and another piece has been incorporated into one of the crowns of the British Royal Family. Both pieces of jewelry were on the coffin of the late British Queen during the great state funeral.
After the spectacular discovery at the Cullinan mine in 1905, the South African colonial administration gifted the diamond to the then British monarch, King Edward VII. But now there are calls to return the stones: “The Cullinan diamond must be returned to South Africa with immediate effect,” activist Thanduxolo Sabelo said. “The natural resources of our country and other countries continue to benefit Britain at the expense of our people.”
Politician demands restitution of ‘colonial thefts’
South African MP Vuyolwethu Zungula is also demanding reparations and the return of “all the gold and diamonds stolen from Britain”. Opposition politician Leigh-Ann Mathys speaks of “colonial thefts, including the theft of the ‘Big Star of Africa'”. In a petition, 6,000 signatories called for the return of parts of the Cullinan diamond to South Africa.
Professor: “The ‘Big Star’ is a blood diamond”
Gemstone company Royal Asscher has said the royal family’s claim is legitimate. It was a birthday present for the then king. A professor of African politics at the University of South Africa, Everristo Benyera, sees it differently. He told CNN that “colonial dealings are illegal and immoral”. “The ‘Big Star’ is a blood diamond. The private mining company, the Transvaal government and the British Empire were part of a larger colonial network,” Benyera said.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
