The sceptre is formed from an ivory rod in three sections, tapering towards the top, and is surmounted by a gold monde enamelled with the national emblems (rose, thistle, harp and fleur-de-lis) with a cross above on which perches an enamelled dove with wings folded. The sections of the rod are joined by gold collars chased with acanthus leaves. The gold pommel is enamelled like the monde with national emblems.

If a sovereign is married at the time of his coronation, it is usual for the queen consort to be crowned with him. The coronation of the queen takes place in a short ceremony after the king has been enthroned and has received the homage of the congregation. The queen consort receives some of the same ornaments as her husband including a ring and two sceptres - one surmounted by a cross and this one surmounted by a dove (which represents the Holy Ghost).

As the first Queen Consort to participate in the coronation ceremony since the Restoration of the monarchy, Mary of Modena required a set of regalia, which was supplied by the royal goldsmith in 1685. The commission included this Consort's Sceptre with Dove. The sceptre has been used by every subsequent Queen Consort.