What is the orb the queen holds?

The Sovereign’s Orb is a symbol of Godly power. It essentially consists of a hollow and 30 cm wide gold sphere and a cross. It is placed in the right hand of the monarch during coronation and it is said to be “a representation of the sovereign’s power”.

Why does the Queen carry an orb?

The Sovereign’s Orb, as this part of the Crown Jewels is officially named, is a symbol of Godly power. A cross above a globe, it represents ‘Christ’s dominion over the world’, as the Monarch is God’s representative on Earth.

What does the royal orb represent?

The Orb is a representation of the sovereign’s power. It symbolises the Christian world with its cross mounted on a globe, and the bands of jewels dividing it up into three sections represent the three continents known in medieval times.

What is the coronation orb?

The Sovereign’s Orb is a piece of coronation regalia. During the coronation ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury places the orb in the right hand of the Monarch. It is put back on the altar. The Monarch leaves the coronation wearing the Crown, carrying the Scepter, and holding the Orb.

What do the sceptre and orb represent?

It has been a Christian symbol of authority since the Middle Ages, used on coins, in iconography, and with a sceptre as royal regalia. The cross represents Christ’s dominion over the orb of the world, literally held in the hand of an earthly ruler.

What is the purpose of a sceptre?

sceptre, also spelled Scepter, ornamented rod or staff borne by rulers on ceremonial occasions as an emblem of authority and sovereignty.

What are symbols of monarchy?

The crown, the sceptre, the orb and the key are the principal regal symbols for the country and the monarch as Head of State.

What is an orb and the monarchy?

The royal orb is a traditional symbol of monarchical power. The royal orb symbolises the earth. Since Hellenic times, the globe has served as a sign of sovereign power. The Roman emperors used the globe as a symbol of their world domination, usually with the goddess of victory positioned on top.

What does a sceptre symbolize?