Page 127 of The Unlikely Heir
The Tower of London is an iconic landmark, but it’s not exactly a favorite place for royalty throughout history.
Henry VI was murdered here in 1471. In 1483, two princes, Edward and Richard, disappeared here, assumed to be murdered by their uncle, who then claimed the throne. Three queens of England, Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey, were all executed on the Tower Green.
But today, it isn’t about the grisly history of the Tower. Instead, it’s about the treasures the Tower holds securely for my family.
The crown jewels.
The exhibition showcasing the crown jewels has been closed for the past few months while it’s been refurbished, and tomorrow is the grand reopening, so today is a private tour for the royal family so we can see the collection.
Nicholas and I are ushered through the grounds of the Tower. We’ve just greeted Gran and Amelia when a tall, impeccably dressed man arrives.
“Your Majesty, Your Royal Highnesses, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Edward Anscombe, the resident governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House.”
“I bet that is a fun job title to give anyone who asks you at the pub,” I say.
Nicholas arches his eyebrow, but Edward gives a bellowing laugh.
“It’s definitely a mouthful,” he agrees. “Anyway, it’s my honor to show you the new exhibition today.”
“We are very much looking forward to it,” Gran replies.
Edward leads us to the main exhibit, where the most stunning pieces of the Royal Collection are showcased. The room is a glittering spectacle filled with every jewel imaginable.
The concentration of wealth makes my head spin.
"You’ll notice we’ve updated the displays with more interactive elements," Edward explains, gesturing to a touchscreen panel beside a particularly breathtaking tiara. "Visitors can now learn about the history and significance of each piece, as well as view close-up images and videos."
Gran nods in approval, her eyes scanning the room.
I can’t help but quiz Edward about the history of the crown jewels as we wander around the exhibits, and I learn a lot of interesting facts. I didn’t realize Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of the old set of crown jewels when he came to power, so most of the current jewels were created after the monarchy was restored in the 1660s.
Edward also tells me how gemstones from the crown jewels were hidden inside a biscuit tin and buried under Windsor Castle during World War II.
We reach the exhibit containing St Edward’s crown, the intricate lattice of golden arches encrusted with four hundred and forty-four gemstones. It’s elegant enough to make any head look regal, even on a bad hair day.
“It’s very heavy,” Gran says to me.
I have to take her word for it. After all, she’s the only person alive who has ever worn it.
I stare at the glittering crown. One day it will be placed on my head, making me the king.
The thought makes me lightheaded.
Amelia sidles closer to me. “Did you know that neither Elizabeth I nor Queen Victoria, arguably the greatest monarchs in British history, were actually born to rule?”
I blink at her, taking time to process her words before I reply. “You’re right.”
She gives me a small smile, and I can’t help returning it. Is this my sister reminding me that even though I wasn’t born to rule, I can still become a good monarch?
I actually need to hear that today. I need to be reminded about other royals in history who have stepped into roles they weren’t prepared for and succeeded.
Elizabeth I was known as the Virgin Queen, as she chose not to marry, declaring herself married to England instead, despite the many rumors of affairs throughout her life.
It appears the romantic life of royals has always been fraught. I’m not breaking any new ground here on that front. Although from my knowledge of history, none of the past kings and queens have ever had an illicit relationship with the prime minister.
The official royal photographer turns up to take some pictures of us examining the crown jewels. I stand between Gran and Nicholas, smiling stiffly.
“Before we go, we need to check the ravens,” Gran says after we finish with the photographer.
