The Mystery of Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Piano

According to Serpoosh and Saed News, Queen Elizabeth’s royal speech on her birthday is considered an important event for many people in the United Kingdom, and they try not to miss watching it.

In the 2018 birthday celebration, the Queen’s televised message attracted controversy. The speech was delivered in a room filled with luxurious objects, and a golden piano prominently stood out behind her. This piano drew a great deal of attention. Where did it come from? How much is it worth, and who plays it?

In 2019, during the BBC’s “Proms” festival, pianist Stephen Hough performed works by Mendelssohn using this golden piano at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday, August 16, 2019.

Although Queen Elizabeth II currently officially has access to this piano, it was originally designed for Queen Victoria and her husband. Both were passionate about music and played the piano. Queen Victoria sang, while her husband Prince Albert played the organ. Felix Mendelssohn frequently visited Buckingham Palace as a guest; he was one of Queen Victoria’s favorite musicians.

In 1856, the company S & P Erard designed a new piano for members of the royal family who loved music. This company had previously produced musical instruments for French aristocracy in the 18th century, including Queen Marie Antoinette of France. The founder of the company was Sébastien Érard, and this piano was created for Queen Victoria. It has a classic design and is covered in gold.

Most pianos made by this company were priced around £138,000, but this particular golden piano is worth significantly more. After Queen Elizabeth’s 2018 speech, rumors spread that the golden piano had once belonged to Saddam Hussein and was looted during the 2003 invasion of Iraq before ending up in the British royal palace. However, Buckingham Palace denied these claims and stated that the piano belongs to the British royal family.