King Charles will receive his first state visit since his accession to the throne on November 22-23, when South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will visit the United Kingdom. According to the British "Daily Mail", during the upcoming state visit of the South African president, South African activists asked Queen Camila not to wear Cullinan diamonds.
According to analysts in The Telegraph, Camila's wearing of the diamond would have shocked South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, "like spitting in the face of South Africa".
The Cullinan rough diamond, weighing 3,106 carats, was first discovered in 1905 in a mine near Pretoria, South Africa. In 1909, the two largest gemstones were officially presented to King Edward VII at Windsor Castle and were finally set on the top of the monarch's staff and crown. Other small gemstones are set in British royal brooches, necklaces and rings.
Prominent South African trade union activists have warned that if Camilla or the Princess of Wales wears the diamond, it will be a reminder of the "most unfortunate" of the colonial-era mining industry. Zwelinzima Vavi, a union member, said: "During that period, minerals and land were taken away and we had to fight for it. ”
Political analyst Susan Boyson said: "Given South Africa's history and colonial influences, particularly in the mining industry, I believe this will come as a shock to Mr Ramaphosa and many South Africans. But she also said it was hard to imagine the British royal family wearing the diamonds, adding: "Of course, that certainly won't happen." ”
Since Queen Elizabeth's death, an online petition in South Africa calling for the Cullinan diamonds to be returned to the country and placed in museums has received more than 8,000 signatures. During the two-day visit, the South African president and his wife will reportedly visit an exhibition of royal collections related to South Africa.
Jiupai News Intern Reporter Liu Yating
[Source: Jiupai News]
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