A South African petition calls for the return of the Cullinan diamond from the British Crown
A petition in South Africa is urging the repatriation of the Star of Africa diamond, mined on South African soil and now part of the British royal regalia. The call has gained attention after coverage by the New York Post.
Johannesburg-based lawyer and activist Motusi Kamanga helped launch the petition, arguing that the diamond should be returned as a symbol of national pride, heritage, and culture. The petition has already drawn about 8,000 signatures from supporters who share Kamanga’s view.
Kamanga has stated that many Africans are beginning to see decolonization not only as a path to greater freedoms but also as a process that includes the restitution of items seized during the colonial era. He frames the Star of Africa as a lasting emblem of that history and a focal point for national reflection.
The Star of Africa, better known as the Cullinan diamond, is widely regarded as the largest cut diamond in the world. Unearthed in 1905 in what is now South Africa, it weighed a remarkable 3,106.75 carats in its raw form. In 1907, the Transvaal Colony government, then under British control, decided to present the stone to King Edward VII. From there, the diamond’s journey would continue within the British royal collection.
As the diamond was processed, it was divided into several major stones. The most famous outcomes were Cullinan I and Cullinan II, alongside a total of two dozen other stones of varying sizes. Cullinan I, weighing 530.2 carats, became the central piece of the monarch’s sceptre. Cullinan II, at 317.4 carats, is set into the Imperial Crown, part of the Crown Jewels assembled for the British monarchy. Both gems are currently housed in the Tower of London and serve as enduring symbols of royal heritage.
Recent reports indicate that Cullinan I and Cullinan II have been slated for display during royal events, including the upcoming coronation, reinforcing their status as treasured royal artifacts. In related coverage, it was noted that Queen Consort Camilla’s granddaughter experienced an arm injury on the eve of a coronation—a reminder of the high-profile attention surrounding these ceremonies.
Advocates of repatriation emphasize that the debate over the Cullinan reflects broader conversations about cultural restitution and historical accountability. They argue that returning the diamond would acknowledge South Africa’s enduring connection to the stone and its significance to the nation’s narrative of independence and identity. Critics of the petition, however, point to the stone’s long history within the British crown and warn about potential legal and logistical complexities involved in any transfer of possession.
Observers note that the Cullinan story intersects with ongoing discussions about how former colonies perceive and interpret cultural treasures that reside in former colonial centers. The petition’s momentum suggests a growing interest in addressing these questions through dialogue, diplomacy, and, when possible, mutually acceptable resolutions. It remains to be seen how the royal household and the British government will respond to calls for repatriation while balancing tradition, legality, and international relations.
For now, the Star of Africa remains a centerpiece of royal symbolism in the United Kingdom, its origins and journey continuing to spark public conversations about history, heritage, and restitution. The petitioners continue to collect signatures and articulate a vision where such treasures might one day belong to the people who initially mined and cherished them.