👑 Stolen stuff
They’re gonna crown a new King of Canada this week, so let’s do something a bit different ’cause it’s been 70 years since the last coronation thingy.
Today is all about stuff. Throughout its reign, the British Empire stole a lot of it.
How much stuff? Hard to say, for sure. But unless you live under a rock or the Stone of Destiny (stolen too) you can’t miss the growing call for reparation.
Let’s do this!
Today’s newsletter is 382 words, 2 minutes.
A list of the loot
1. 👑 Stuff the British Stole is an astounding documentary series. “We peel back the true histories behind those objects – and meet those who want them back.” There’s a podcast too.
2. 🏛️ “We don’t have time to recap the entire history of colonialism and the plunder of antiquities,” said John Oliver, the host of Last Week Tonight. “Honestly, if you’re ever looking for a missing artifact, nine times out of 10 it’s in the British Museum.” YouTube: Museums: Why they contain so many stolen goods
3. 🔥 Vice’s documentary series Empire of Dirt explores the dark side behind the royal family’s wealth.
4. 💎 CBC The National aired a stolen stuff segment too. YouTube: India’s stolen treasures on display in Britain
5. 👑 The crown. Camilla won’t be wearing the Koh-i-Noor diamond for the coronation ’cause it’s bad PR to publicly adorn oneself with a stolen gem. The history of Koh-i-Noor is beyond turbulent and there are calls for Britain to return it.
6. 💎 The sceptre. The Cullinan I diamond, known as the Great Star of Africa, will be on full display at the coronation ’cause it’s wedged in King Charles III’s royal sceptre. Video: British colonialism and the crown jewels
7. 💰 Cost of the Crown is The Guardian’s multi-part investigation into royal wealth and finance. The series reveals how the royal family hides its wealth from public scrutiny.
8. 🇦🇺 King Charles III will not appear on Australia’s new $5 banknote
9. 🇨🇦 👟 Terry Fox is favoured to appear on Canada’s new $5 bill 🏃
10.❓I know someone is gonna ask, “Whaaaat? Charles III is the King of Canada?” Yes, he is. Canada is a constitutional monarchy.
Thank you for sharing, not stealing. 🙂
Love love love,
Kerry