Ministers are banking on a television drama about Queen Victoria to help save one of her most treasured items of jewellery for Britain.
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport rushed forward its decision to impose a temporary export ban on a £5 million sapphire and diamond coronet designed by Prince Albert on the eve of the royal marriage to coincide with the first episode of the ITV drama Victoria.
The coronet is considered one of the most important jewels of Victoria’s reign. It will be sold overseas unless a British buyer finds £5 million plus £1 million in VAT by the end of the year.
The department imposed the ban after advice from the reviewing committee on the export of works of art and