The historic crown of St. Edward, which played a key role in the coronation of monarchs in England for more than 350 years, has been removed from the Tower of London to be modified for the coronation of King Charles III next May, Reuters reported, citing Buckingham Palace. 

The crown had been in use since the coronation of King Charles II in 1661.

St. Edward's crown replaced a medieval version dating to the 11th century reign of Edward the Confessor, which was melted down in 1649.

Charles III will be crowned with St. Edward's crown during a ceremony May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London, just as his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did in 1953. He will also wear the Imperial Crown of State during the service.