Czech crown jewels removed from Crown Chamber ahead of public display

The Czech crown jewels have been removed from their chamber in St Vitus Cathedral ahead of their annual display at Prague Castle. The chamber can only be opened when all seven keyholders, representing the state, Catholic Church and Prague, are present. The jewels will be displayed in Vladislav Hall, first for schoolchildren and then for the public from September 19 to 28, with admission free. This year’s exhibition, entitled Habsburgs 500, traces their history under the Habsburg dynasty. The collection includes the St Wenceslas Crown, royal sceptre and orb, as well as a coronation robe dating from 1653.