Queen being sued for over £100 million
AAP
Bollywood stars and businessmen have begun a legal battle with the Queen over a 105-carat diamond, which they argue was stolen from their country.
The ‘Koh-i-Noor’ is a £100 million diamond which currently sits in Britain’s Crown Jewels.
It was worn by the Queen Mother at the Coronation of her husband and then her daughter.
But the group is claiming the £100 million diamond is one of many artefacts taken from India under ‘dubious circumstance’. They are calling for it to be stripped from Britain’s Crown Jewels.
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The diamond has also appeared in the crowns of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary.
The case, which has plagued British colonial history is said to be an Indian artefact only worn only ‘by God or a woman’. It was given to Queen Victoria in 1851 following the British annexe of the Punjab.
Historian Andrew Roberts told The Mail the valuable jewels belonged to Britain.
“Those involved in this ludicrous case should recognise that the British Crown Jewels is precisely the right place for the Koh-i-Noor diamond to reside.”
Bollywood star Bhumicka Singh said the artefact needed to be returned to its rightful home.
“The Koh-i-Noor is not just a 105-carat stone, but part of our history and culture and should undoubtedly be returned.”
The lawsuit may cause tensions at an upcoming lunch the Queen is hosting for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Buckingham Palace this week, although a Royal source said it was strictly off the agenda.