Short answers, pulled from the story.
Alfred the Great traveled to Rome in 853 and received a blessing from Pope Leo IV during that journey. Historical records indicate he was confirmed as a Roman consul rather than crowned king at this event.
Parliament ordered all gold and silver melted down following Charles I's execution in 1649. Carew Mildmay initially refused these instructions but eventually the regalia were broken up, sold, or turned into coinage.
Royal Goldsmith Sir Robert Vyner crafted the new crown to closely resemble the medieval version. The design featured a heavy gold base with clusters of semi-precious stones and Baroque arches.
George V reduced the crown's overall weight when he became the first monarch crowned with it since 1689. He had the band made smaller to fit his head, reducing the total mass significantly to allow practical use.
Charles III wore the modified crown on the 6th of May 2023 during his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey. This marked the most recent use of the historic piece after a gap spanning over three centuries.