Voice of Commonwealth

King Charles III’s Coronation: A Regal fashion spectacle

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As the world awaited the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla of the United Kingdom on the 6th of May 2023, royals from across the globe poured into Westminster Abbey in the most regal and charismatic ensembles fit to commemorate this historical event.  

Stepping away from tradition, international guests were not requested to wear over-the-top, extravagant ceremonial attire, but rather more relaxed and personalized outfits. However, it was interesting to note that invitees to this grand affair showed up in power-packed statement pieces that caught the eyes of millions worldwide.

Members of the British royal family dressed in traditional regalia to honor the crowning of the new monarch, recreating aspects of age-old traditions in true British style and fashion.

King Charles III

Taking into consideration the importance of sustainable fashion practices, King Charles III reused golden vestments that have been passed down to the royal family for centuries and worn at every coronation since 1821. The regal ensemble included the Colobium Sindonis, the Supertunica, the Imperial Mantle, the Coronation Sword Belt, and the Coronation Glove. The Buckingham Palace issuing a statement noted that “it is customary for the Supertunica and the Imperial Mantle to be reused,” but the reuse of the other objects were made “in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.” The arrival and departure of the newly assumed monarch saw His Royal Highness clad in two different traditional grand robes that exuded regal splendor.

Queen Camilla

Queen Camilla was dressed in a white and gold couture gown by British designer Bruce Oldfield. The coronation gown was inspired by the flora of the British countryside; a mutual love shared by the royal couple, intricately embroidered in a myriad of silver and gold wildflowers. Adding to the symbolism woven into Queen Camilla’s coronation garments were roses, thistles, daffodils, and shamrocks, representing the four nations of the United Kingdom on the cuffs of each sleeve.

Prince William, Prince of Wales

Representing his role as Colonel of the Regiment, the Prince of Wales was clad in the Ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards.

Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales

Arriving in a stunning rendition of tradition meets modern monarchy, the Queen-In-Waiting wore an embellished Alexander McQueen gown under ceremonial robes which too, was complete with silver flower embroidery. The real show-stopper, however, was the floral headpiece she adorned instead of the customary tiara. A Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen design, this beautifully constructed crystal, and silver floral crown, paired with diamond drop earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana, worked harmoniously to create the perfect coronation look.

 Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis

The young royals were the center of attention at their grandfather’s coronation as they entered Westminster Abbey in smart attire. Prince George, playing an important role at the ceremony as the Page of Honor, donned a bright red uniform while Prince Louis looked playful in a military-inspired jacket in dark blue velvet. Matching her mother’s floral headpiece, Princess Charlotte stood elegantly with regal poise in an ivory dress and cape.

Princess Anne

www.brides.com

The only Royal family member to ride on horseback, Princess Anne held a prestigious position at the Coronation of her brother, as the Gold-Stick-in-Waiting also known as the Monarch’s bodyguard. Princess Anne, leading 6,000 armed personnel on horseback, wore ceremonial robes while perfectly executing the role bestowed upon her.

Charlene, Princess of Monaco, and Albert II, Prince of Monaco

HuffPost

Princess Charlene of Monaco, arrived at the coronation in a white skirt suit with a sash alongside husband Albert II.

Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI of Spain

Evening Standard

Queen Letizia, regarded as one the world’s best-dressed contemporary royals, arrived in a pink suit from Carolina Herrera with a domed hat.

Queen Jetsun Pema and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan

Town and Country

King Jigme Khesar Magyel Wingchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Puma wore traditional looks from their home country, Bhutan with shades of lilac.

Crown Prince Fumihito of Japan and Crown Princess Kiko

RNZ

Crown Princess Kiko wore an ivory Kimono with traditional footwear to represent the culture of Japan at the Coronation.

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