LONDON - A diamond with a bloody history will sit atop the British Queen Mother's coffin at today's ceremonial procession to her lying-in-state.
Coveted by Mogul emperors, hidden in a sultan's turban, once claimed by the Taleban for Afghanistan, the Kohinoor is one of the world's most notorious gems.
The jewelin the Queen Mother's crown, also claimed by India, Iran and Pakistan, has been cursed.
A Hindu proverb warns: "He who owns this diamond will own the world but will also know its misfortunes. Only God or a woman can wear it with impunity."
And so it proved with the Queen Mother. The jewel was set in the crown she wore for the coronation of her husband, King George VI, in 1937. He died at the age of 56. She lived to 101.
Since the 14th century, murder and treachery have dogged the diamond named by Persia's Nadir Shah.
The 18th century king was tipped off that a captured rival had an egg-sized diamond hidden in his turban.
He tricked his enemy into swapping turbans and, when the diamond fell to the floor, he exclaimed "Kohinoor" - "Mountain of Light" in Persian.
Eight years later, Nadir Shah was assassinated. One of his generals took the stone to Kabul for the Afghan monarchy. It then ended up in the Punjab where Sikh ruler Ranjit Singh had it set it in a bridle so he could admire it while riding.
When Britain annexed the Punjab, the diamond passed to 9-year-old Prince Duleep Singh.
It was then presented to Queen Victoria, who put it on display at London's Crystal Palace exposition.
But visitors were disappointed that the 186-carat diamond did not show more fire, so she had it cut down to 108 carats and recrafted to shine more brightly.
Yesterday in the lead-up to the funeral:
* Troops were on the streets of London for a full rehearsal of the Queen Mother's funeral procession. It will stretch for 800m and involve 1600 servicemen and women.
* British Prime Minister Tony Blair led the tributes in Parliament saying, "It is that combination of high integrity and simple humanity that made her not just respected but loved. She loved her country and in turn her country loved her."
* Prince Andrew said he, Charles, Edward and the fourth grandson, Viscount David Linley, would hold a vigil over the body before Tuesday's funeral.
