Coronation of Charles III revives South African calls for the return of the world’s largest diamond

The coronation of Charles III in England revived calls in South Africa for the return of the world’s largest diamond, the centerpiece of a scepter that the monarch will carry at Saturday’s ceremony.

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He cullinanalso known as the “Star of Africa”weighing 530 carats, was found in 1905 in South Africawhich at the time was under British rule.

It was donated by the colonial government, two years later, to King Edward VII For his birthday.

“All the mineral wealth of South Africa They belong to the South African people, not to a British palace.”, the deputy told AFP on Thursday Vuyolwethu Zungulaleader of a small opposition party.

He “Star of Africa” it is the largest diamond ever mined, weighing 621 grams in the rough.

Sent to Amsterdam, it was carved into two main stones, seven precious stones and 96 brilliants. Many of these diamonds were set in the crown jewels, while others were given as gifts to other members of the royal family.

since the end of apartheidthere have been periodic calls for their reinstatement, such as during the visit of the Queen isabel II to the country in 1995.

The restitution of African objects by the former colonial powers has also intensified in recent years.

“We want to recover theStar of Africa‘, and all the diamonds, gold and other minerals that the British empire stole from South Africa, WITHOUT COMPENSATION.”tweeted Carl Niehaus, former spokesman for the

African National Congressafter the queen’s death in September.

“As South Africans, we ask for the return of our diamonds so that they can be exhibited in a museum”details an online petition to the king Carlos III, which obtained more than 8,000 signatures.

Source: Elcomercio

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