ROYAL FAMILY
What will Charles III wear to his coronation?
Charles III will turn to history and tradition when it comes to his attire for his coronation as King of the United Kingdom.
Given the pomp and grandeur of the British Royal Family, you might not necessarily expect to discover that King Charles III was determined to make his coronation as sustainable as possible.
Charles became King following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year and will have his official coronation at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6 May. While his official coming to power will actually be a much less extravagant affair than his mother’s in 1953, there has still be plenty of criticism coming the Royal Family’s way for how much the event will cost.
Nevertheless, the bill shouldn’t include much for Charles’ clothing for the big day which, as you might imagine, will be inspired by history and tradition.
King Charles to reuse a number of coronation items
King Charles will reuse a number items which featured in the Coronation Services of King George IV in 1821, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Those include the Colobium Sindonis, the Supertunica, the Imperial Mantle, the Coronation Sword Belt and the Coronation Glove.
The Supertunica, a full-length, sleeved gold coat, is worn under the Imperial Mantle, which is similar to a robe and was made for the Coronation of George IV in 1821. It is customary for both to be reused in other coronations.
Charles following in his grandfather’s footsteps
But perhaps it is the Colombium Sidonis which stands out the most, as Charles III has himself chosen to add this to the more ‘usual’ attire. He will wear his grandfather George VI’s Robes of State, which he used for his own coronation in 1937. The 90-year-old robes, which are literally made of gold and haven’t been worn for 70 years, according to Caroline De Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art.
King Charles will also reuse the Coronation Glove, which he will wear on his right hand, and the Coronation Sword Belt, which will be placed around the Supertunica, that his grandfather wore when he was crowned king almost 100 years ago. Historically, monarchs wear a new Glove and Sword Belt.