Where the Crown Jewels were hidden during the war

2nd June 1953: Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace.Photo by Keystone/Getty Images

Letters have revealed that in order to protect the royal jewels from the Nazis, they were hidden In a biscuit tin, 60 feet below Windsor Castle on the order of King George VI.

Editor's note: Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch passed away on Sept 8, 2022, aged 96. Now, BHT takes a look back at some of the most popular stories which arose during her 70-year reign.

The documentary The Coronation, released in 2019, which features an interview with Queen Elizabeth about her coronation, reveals that the jewels were removed from their setting by a librarian and hidden in a Bath Oliver biscuit tin, before being placed in a chamber dug beneath Windsor Castle.

The truth was uncovered by royal commentator Alastair Bruce through old letters written to Queen Mary by King George VI, which outlined plans for the secret chamber. Not many knew of the jewel's hiding place, and in fact nd, a trap door still exists near the site at Windsor Castle.

What jewels were hidden?

One of the most important is the Black Prince's Ruby, which has been mounted on the Imperial State Crown since the days of Queen Victoria's rule. Despite the crown being remade in 1937, the ruby remains in place. St Edward's Sapphire, which is older than the ruby, is set in the cross of the crown.

The Cullinan Diamond, which is set in the Queen’s scepter is another important gem that's believed to have been hidden during the war.

Queen Elizabeth II, accompained by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, prepares to deliver her speech in the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament on May 9, 2012 in London, England

In fact, Queen Elizabeth wasn't aware that the jewels had been hidden until Bruce told her, as herself and Princess Margaret were just children at the time.

* Originally published in Aug 2019.