South Africa: As King Charles III prepares for his coronation on 6th May 2023, some South Africans are calling for the return of the world’s largest diamond, the Star of Africa, which is set in the royal sceptre he will hold.

The diamond, which was extracted from the Cullinan mine in South Africa over a century ago, has been a subject of controversy for many years, with some in South Africa arguing that it should be returned to its country of origin. The debate over the diamond’s ownership adds another layer of complexity to the already complex relationship between the UK and South Africa.

Weighing 530 carats, the Star of Africa was originally unearthed in South Africa in 1905. Two years later, it was gifted to the British monarchy by the then-colonial government of South Africa, which was under British rule then. This gift has long been a point of contention, with some in South Africa asserting that the diamond was taken from the country without permission and should be returned. The diamond is set in the royal sceptre and will be used by King Charles III in his upcoming coronation ceremony.

As the issue of repatriating artwork and artefacts looted during colonial times gains global attention, some South Africans are adding their voices to the conversation, calling for the Star of Africa, the world’s largest diamond, to be returned. The diamond was originally given to the British monarchy in 1907 by the colonial government of South Africa, which was under British rule then. However, some South Africans argue that the diamond was taken without consent and should be returned to its country of origin.

The diamond set in the royal sceptre, officially called Cullinan I, is actually a piece of the Cullinan diamond, a massive 3,100-carat stone that was discovered near Pretoria. The diamond was later cut to create several smaller pieces, including the 530-carat Cullinan I, which was given to the British monarchy in 1907 and is now set in the royal sceptre to be held by King Charles III at his coronation.

Another diamond that was cut from the Cullinan diamond, called Cullinan II and weighing 317 carats, is set in the Imperial State Crown, which British monarchs wear on ceremonial occasions. Both the sceptre and the crown are stored, along with other crown jewels, in the Tower of London.

The Cape Town Diamond Museum features a replica of the entire Cullinan diamond, which is approximately the size of a man’s fist. “I believe it should be brought back home because, at the end of the day, they took it from us while they were oppressing us,” remarked Johannesburg resident Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi.

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