Regalia is the set of emblems, symbols, or paraphernalia indicative of royal status, as well as rights, prerogatives and privileges enjoyed by a sovereign, regardless of title. The word originally referred to the elaborate formal dress and accessories of a sovereign, but now it also refers to any type of elaborate formal dress. The word stems from the Latin substantivation of the adjective regalis, "regal", itself from rex, "king". It is sometimes used in the singular, regale.
Queen Elizabeth II with her regalia
King Haakon VII and Queen Maud of Norway with their regalia in 1906
King Oscar II of Sweden, his crown prince Gustaf (V) and grandson Gustaf (VI) Adolf in their crowns and coronets on a state occasion about 1900.
Emperor Pedro II of Brazil wearing elements of the Imperial Regalia. Detail from a 1872 portrait by Pedro Américo.
Crown jewels are the objects of metalwork and jewellery in the regalia of a current or former monarchy. They are often used for the coronation of a monarch and a few other ceremonial occasions. A monarch may often be shown wearing them in portraits, as they symbolize the power and continuity of the monarchy. Additions to them may be made, but, since medieval times, the existing items have been typically passed down unchanged, symbolizing the continuity of a monarchy.
Crown Jewels of Austria. Like most regalia, they include a crown, an orb and a sceptre.
Radama II, with crown
Gold crown from Cheonmachong made in the Korean kingdom of Silla.
Gold and jewelled container of King Thibaw, the last king of Burma, now in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London