South Africa seeks return of 500-carat ‘Great Star Diamond’ after Queen’s death
New Delhi: After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, CNN reported that the people of South Africa are asking the British royal family to return the world’s largest clear diamond, the Great Star Diamond.
Known as the ‘Great Star of Africa’ or the ‘First Cullinan’, the diamond was cut from a single large gem from a South African mine in 1905. The diamond was handed over to the British royal family by the South African colonial authorities. Currently it is attached to the Queen’s highly decorated scepter.
It is worth noting that after the Queen’s death, the ‘Great Star of Africa’ and other diamonds are being demanded to be returned. Many South Africans are of the opinion that Britain illegally seized the gems. An online petition with 6,000 signatures for the return of the diamond has been published on ‘change.org‘.
“ABC News” reported that the 530.2-carat drop-shaped diamond was mounted on a scepter with a cross. The sacred scepter of the 16th century is used in anointing ceremonies. The actual value of this diamond is not known.
Vuyolwethu Zungula, a member of the South African Parliament, demanded in a tweet: “We must compensate Britain for all the damage it has done and return all the gold and diamonds it stole.”