As I think we all suspect, Coronation news and updates are steadily released. While I think that some decisions genuinely have not been made yet, it is also probably a PR strategy. (Keep people interested until the big day, right?) I think that in terms of the questions that are asked in the media, like will the Sussexes or whoever attend, we won’t have answers for a while. However, I have one question that makes for entertaining rumination. What will King Charles wear for the Coronation? Let’s get into this month’s Coronation Chronicles.
What Will King Charles Wear for the Coronation?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way- King Charles will at least be wearing St. Edward’s Crown at some point during the service when he is crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The clothing is a bigger question. Historically kings have worn silken knee breeches and hose with an embroidered gown/tunic. The monarch also wears the Crimonson Surcoat and the Robe of State. The former is a short, red velvet cloak, and the latter is a mantle made of embroidered velvet trimmed with ermine. (They also historically wear simple garments during the annointing.)
There have been reports that Charles will eschew the tradition of wearing the gown and breeches for a military uniform instead. These reports note that he will not be changing his clothing or removing items during the ceremony like monarchs have in the past. Changing his attire to a uniform does seem to be a sensible choice to modernise the ceremony. It also is a uniform from part of his role as monarch and head of the armed forces, so not a huge change, perhaps. Edward VII wore a military uniform for his 1902 coronation- there is some precedent for this.
What Will Queen Camilla Wear for the Coronation?
Starting with the obvious again- as I’ve reported previously, Queen Camilla will be wearing Queen Mary’s crown. It is being reset with the Cullinans III, IV, and V as a nod to the late Queen.
Historically, queens wear a gown made specifically for their coronation along with similar robes to their husbands. (This would have been known as a court gown.) I do not believe that Camilla will deviate greatly from this tradition. If for some reason, Charles chooses not to wear robes then I would expect Camilla to forego them, as well.
If her past attire is any indication, I am guessing that The Queen will either turn to Anna Valentine or Bruce Oldfield for her gown.
What Will Members of the Royal Family Wear for the Coronation? (And Peers)
Members of the Royal Family attending the Coronation will also have a specific dress code, as will peers. Princes and Princesses have a specific coronet that they wear for the service, Princesses wear a purple velvet cloak or Robe of State with ermine trim, distinctive from others, and as we saw on Princess Margaret in 1953, they will most likely wear a tiara in addition from their coronet. (They place their coronet on their head at a specific point in the ceremony, and you need something to wear in the meantime, right?) They will be wearing court gowns/ full gowns, as well. (Alexander McQueen seems a safe bet for The Princess of Wales.)
Nobles in attendance will wear their own Robes of State; these are less elaborate than those of the monarch. They also wear a coronet.
What Will Guests Wear for the Coronation?
The King has said that he would like much of the Abbey to be filled with “regular” guests rather than peers or politicians. So, if you are invited to the Coronation, what should you wear? In 1953, women were instructed to wear an evening gown with a light veil, while men were to wear their military or professional uniform if appropriate, or court attire such as a morning suit.
Given that it is Britain, I fully expect to see most women who do have a coronet or tiara to be wearing a hat. I would also expect potentially day dress rather than a floor-length gown required. It does make sense that men would still be required to wear a morning suit.
What Will Foreign Royals Wear for the Coronation?
There have also been reports that Charles will be inviting foreign monarchs to his coronation. As I explained in my “Who Will Attend the 2023 Coronation” post, historically foreign monarchs do not attend coronations. Theoretically, they would outrank the new monarch, and that is an interesting dynamic to have on your coronation day. However, it appears that The King plans to deviate from this.
As such, I am not certain what foreign monarchs would wear. Obviously ceremonial dress, but in terms of jewels, orders, etc, but beyond that, I cannot say.
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In your opinion, what will King Charles wear to the Coronation?
Cheers,
The Historian
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