The Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch at the State Opening of Parliament and was placed on the late Queen’s coffin when it left Buckingham Palace on its way to Westminster Hall on Wednesday.

Imperial State Crown tops Queen Elizabeth II coffin – set with 2,868 diamonds

QUEEN ELIZABETH II’s coffin is being brought from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. It is topped by the Imperial State Crown.

It also boasts a wreath made up of white roses and dahlias, and foliage from the Queen’s estates in Balmoral and Windsor.

The Imperial State Crown is made from a gold framework and is mounted with three huge stones.

The magnificent piece is set with 2868 diamonds in silver mounts and colored stones in gold mounts.

This includes 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 269 pearls.

At the front of the crown there is a mesmerizing cushion-shaped brilliant, Cullinan II.

This is the second largest stone cut from the Cullianan Diamond, also known as the Second Star of Africa.

The back of the crown boasts a beautiful oval sapphire called the Stuart Sapphire.

The two huge stones are connected via an intricate frieze containing peals, emeralds and sapphires.

BARBARA KISKIS

September 14, 2022

photos by GETTY

History of the Crown of Scotland

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II was adorned with the Crown of Scotland as it laid at rest in St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. The crown was placed atop the monarch’s coffin on September 12, during a sober moment watched by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal, the Earl and Countess of Wessex and Prince Andrew. It is one of four crowns that will play a role in her funeral arrangements.

Made with gold and freshwater pearls selected from rivers within Scotland, the crown also features 22 gemstones and 20 precious stones including garnets and amethysts. It features four gold arches that rise to an orb leading to a gold and enamel cross on top. The crown weighs 3.6 lbs (1.6kg) and was fashioned by Edinburgh goldsmith John Mosman.

The stunning piece has a 500-year-old history and is the centerpiece of the Honours of Scotland- the oldest Crown jewels in the United Kingdom. It was first worn by James V in 1540, at the coronation of his Queen Consort, Mary of Guise after being refashioned from an older, damaged crown of James IV which dated back to at least 1503.

The Honours also include a sceptre and sword. They were first used together in 1543 at the coronation of James V’s daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, when she was just nine-months-old. It was also used for the coronations of James VI and Charles I, with both taking place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

In 1651, Charles II also donned the crown for his coronation held in Scone. Following the English Civil War, the crown was moved several times to hide it from Oliver Cromwell’s army.

Cromwell had been determined to destroy the Scottish Crown Jewels and pursued them to Dunnottar Castle near Aberdeen. They were smuggled out and buried until Charles II’s restoration in 1660. The honours were then never used again to crown a sovereign.

The honours were also split up and buried for safekeeping during WWII.

The Crown of Scotland is usually on display in the Throne Room at Edinburgh Castle. It is currently on loan and will be returned in time for the sites reopening on Wednesday.

The Crown, along with the other Honours, were presented to The Queen in 1953, after her coronation, at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The crown and coffin will remain there on display for 24 hours as mourners are invited to come to pay their respects.

The coffin has also been adorned with the Scottish Standard and a wreath made from flowers picked from the Queen’s Balmoral estate. The arrangement includes spray roses, freesias, chrysanthemums and dried white heather.

Queen Elizabeth’s coffin will leave Scotland on Tuesday and continue the journey to London. Her state funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday, September 19.

BARBARA KISKIS
September 13, 2022

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Today we are raising a glass to Queen Elizabeth II, and to a time in Callaway history that is forever treasured. In this moment, her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and his Royal Highness, The Prince Duke of Edinburgh, toasted the President of the United States at a luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The only wine served at this bicentennial event honoring the Royal couple’s visit to the United States, is Callaway’s estate bottled 1974 White Riesling. Her Majesty, not known to be a wine drinker, requests a second glass! This is the first time in U.S. viticultural history that a dry table wine from Southern California is chosen to be served on the east coast at an international diplomatic event!

MAY HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN REST IN PEACE.

Article was posted by CALLAWAY wines. Located in Southern California.

LONG LIVE THE KING.

by BARBARA KISKIS

September 8, 2022

Secrets Saga #23

SECRET ASSIGNMENT

It was the Christmas holidays for Congress and James Jamison headed to

his new secluded island in the Bahamas.

Sam Houston and his girlfriend Gabby had arranged a nice cozy bungalow

for James to stay in during his time on the island.

It was going be an island Christmas.

James arrived by private boat along with his new girlfriend, Savannah Parker.

Sam wasn’t surprised that Miss Parker was about James’ age.

Maybe, he learned his lesson.

As Sam and Gabby waved at the couple, James assisted Savannah off the boat.

“Merry Christmas and welcome to paradise.”

“Yes, it’s Christmas. Who could believe we are celebrating the holidays on our own island

with white sand all around us instead of snow,” exclaimed James.

They all laughed.

“Sam and Gabriella, I would like to introduce you to Senator Savannah Parker.”

Sam took a close look at the Senator and recognized her from news clippings.

“Haven’t we met before Senator?”

Savannah looked back at Sam and said, “Maybe, you’ve seen the news stories about

my ex-husband, Phillip. But I don’t think we have met Mr. Houston.”

Savannah continued walking ahead and James hung back with Sam.

“Don’t ruin our chances with our next assignment with the Agency, Sam.”

“But James her ex-husband is mafia.”

“I know that Sam. And we are getting paid big time for this assignment.”

Barbara KisKis

September, 2022

Secrets Saga #22

A SECRET AGREEMENT REVEALED.

James Jamison made a call to his secret source.

“I knew I could count on you.”

“I did do a good job?”

“I would definitely say yes. Our plan worked and I’m grateful to you.”

“Lilly didn’t knew what hit her.”

James laughed at that comment.

“What do I owe you?

“Well, I had to pull a few strings in Chicago to get Chang

transferred to Washington DC.”

“Yes, that was brilliant. Just tell me the amount and I’ll get it to you.”

“I’m going to leave that up to you James. You have always been more

than fair in your payoffs.”

“Five thousand?”

“Cash?”

“Of course, in small bills.”

“You just paid for my next vacation. Thank you, James.”

“You are welcome, Cindy.”

(To be continued)

Secrets Saga #21

A SECRET HIDEAWAY IN THE BAHAMAS.

“Hey James, I suppose you heard the news about Lilly Lee.”

Sam Houston was calling from the new island they just purchased together

in the Bahamas.

“It’s difficult enough to hear it from Agency personnel but

do you have to talk to me about her?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know if you heard.”

“Lilly is acting like she Princess Diana, going to marry her prince.”

“Little sore are we James?”

“No. Definitely not.”

Of course, James was lying. His feelings were hurt.

Lilly chose another man over him.

“Look on the brightside, you don’t have to spend money on a wedding.”

“Sam, Oh Sam. Funny guy. Tell me when can I fly out to see our island in person?

I got the plans, and it all looks promising.”

“Anytime you like. When does it fit in your schedule?”

“Congress will be in recess for the Holidays, so I’ll make arrangements to

be in Caribbean in two weeks.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“By the way, do you mind if I bring someone?”

“Female?”

“Yes, Sam. You do have running water on the island?”

“Yes, we have lots of water. See you soon.”

(To be continued)

Secrets Saga #20

THE SECRET GOT OUT AT THE AGENCY.

After two weeks from when Lilly and Allen first met that night in the bar after work,

they became a couple.

They had a lot in common besides their Chinese roots.

They both loved music and dancing.

There was no age difference.

Neither one had a top-secret security clearance.

Lilly was happy as a lark.

Her heart was full of love.

Allen felt like the luckiest guy at the Agency.

He couldn’t stop smiling; Lilly was the woman of his dreams.

So, it was no surprise when he popped the question.

Allen wrote a song about his love for Lilly and played his guitar

when he proposed to her.

“Lilly Lee, will you marry me?”

“Yes, yes, of course I will.”

Allen kissed Lilly and presented her with a diamond ring, a simple plain diamond ring.

(To be continued)

Secrets Saga #19

THE AGENTS FAMOUS BUT SECRET BAR AFTER WORK.

Lilly walked into the crowded bar after work and looked around for her co-workers.

“Hey, Lilly over here.”

It was Cindy waving and yelling at Lilly.

“I saved you a seat.”

Lilly noticed that the saved bar stool was right next to the

new guy, Allen Chang.

Allen Chang immediately stood up and pulled out the stool for Lilly.

What a nice gentleman thought Lilly. She was impressed.

“Hello, Miss Lee, I would like to introduce myself. I’m Allen Chang

and I’ve heard very good things about you and your work.”

“Why thank you, Mr. Chang.”

“Oh, please call me Allen.”

“Very well, call me Lilly.”

“May I order you a drink?”

“Yes, a glass of red wine. Thank you.”

Allen ordered Lilly a glass of red wine and in doing so, he noticed

her beautiful eyes and her warm smile.

“Cheers, Lilly.”
“Cheers to you Allen.”

The evening continued with lively conversation between the two agents.

Lilly was laughing and enjoying herself for the first time in months.

As the evening wore on, the bar crowd thinned out and that

was when she saw James in the corner of the bar with another woman.

Her heart sank.

Oh no thought Lilly. Not tonight. I was having such a good time.

James spotted Lilly from across the bar.

He smiled and got up and made his way over to Lilly.

“Well Miss Lee looks like we frequent the same bar.”

“Oh, good evening, Congressman.”

She was not going to have James ruin her night.

James felt Lilly’s coldest but continued to introduce himself

to Allen Chang.

“Mr. Jamison how do you do. You are very famous at the Agency.

It’s a pleasure to meet you. Congratulations on solving the Cartier jewelry heist.”

Lilly nearly chocked on her drink.

“Yes, didn’t he do a fine job with that one.”

Lilly being sarcastic and glared at James.

“Well, I’ll leave you two love birds alone. Have a nice night.”

With that remark, James left Lilly and Allen and returned to his date.

(To be continued)

Secrets Saga #18

IT’S BEEN 6 MONTHS SINCE LILLY HAS SEEN OR HEARD FROM JAMES.

Lilly was walking the halls inside of the Agency when she spotted a new agent and Cindy

talking in an office.

She made a note to herself to ask Cindy who was this new good-looking guy.

Late in the day, she ran into Cindy.

“Hey, girlfriend, I saw you talking to the new agent. Who is he and where is he from?”

“Are you interested?”

“I’m just curious that all, Cindy.”

Cindy pulled Lilly into an empty office to talk quietly and privately.

“His name is Allen Chang, and he comes from Chicago. He’s the real deal and a dream

to look at. Shall I introduce you to him?”

Lilly thought for a moment.

“How about inviting him for drinks after work. Make it a welcome to

Washington DC celebration and invite some of the other ladies.”

“Great idea. I gotta run, so I’ll see you at 6 pm at our favorite bar.”

“Yes, I’ll see you there tonight.”

Lilly went back to her own office humming to herself.

(To be continued)

Secrets Saga #17

UNTIL IT’S NO LONGER A SECRET.

It’s been a month since Lilly Lee gave her diamond ring back to Congressman Jamison.

Each one going their separate ways.

Heartbroken.

Lilly was sitting her desk at the Agency when Cindy busted in and told Lilly a secret.

“Why do you keep coming into my office unannounced?”

“OK, I’ll announce myself. Hello, Lilly, I’m entering your office.”

“That’s better, sit down and tell me a secret.”

“You won’t believe who I saw last night at the local bar?”

“I don’t know. Who?”

“Your ex-fiancée, Agent Jamison.”

“That’s not news or a secret, Cindy. He’s a popular guy in Washington.”

“But who he was with is important.”

“Who?”

“That female Senator from New Jersey.”

“New Jersey?”

“Yes, her name is Savannah Parker and from where I was sitting, they were very friendly.”

“What do you mean by friendly?”

“She was hanging all over the guy. And he was not shying away from her.”

“Really. Good for James. Maybe they can exchange secrets with each other.”

“Yup, I’m sure he got past first base and is rounding to home.”

“Very funny, Cindy.”

(To be continued)