What will King Charles III wear to his coronation?
King Charles will wear vestments that have been previously used in the coronation ceremonies. Photo:dailyO
King Charles III's coronation has been in news for many reasons. Apart from his ceremony and procession that will take place on May 6, King Charles III's costume has also become the topic of discussion for many Royal enthusiasts.
King Charles to reuse historic garments
Ironically enough, King Charles often tries to advocate sustainability. In 2020 he launched a sustainability clothing line, and now he will be wearing recycled clothes from his former generations during his coronation ceremony.
King Charles will wear vestments that have been previously used in the coronation ceremonies of King George IV in 1821, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937, and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
These main vestments include the Colobium Sindonis, the Supertunica, the Imperial Mantle, the Coronation Sword Belt, and the Coronation Glove.Each of them symbolises something.
What are these?
- Colobium Sindonis: This is a simple white linen tunic that symbolises purity and represents the new King's humility and willingness to serve his people.
- Supertunica: This is a long robe made of gold brocade, embroidered with national and royal symbols, and lined with silk. It represents the monarch's power and authority.
- Imperial Mantle: This is a heavy, crimson velvet cloak with a long train that is also embroidered with national and royal symbols. The mantle represents the monarch's duty to protect and defend his people.
- Coronation Sword Belt: This is a belt made of gold and worn over the robe, which holds the ceremonial sword of state. It symbolises the monarch's readiness to defend his realm.
- Coronation Glove: This is a white glove worn on the monarch's right hand during the coronation ceremony. It symbolises purity and the monarch's vow to uphold justice and righteousness.
Clothing items for the ceremony aka coronation?
- Now, for his coronation, King Charles will wear two ceremonial clothing items that have been worn by previous monarchs, including the late Queen Elizabeth II.
- The first robe is called the Supertunica ( It was made in 1911 for the Coronation of King George V, and was later worn by King Geroge VI and Queen Elizabeth II) and is made of silk thread wrapped in gold or silver gilt metal. It is embroidered with arabesques and floral motifs.
- The second layer is a cloak, called the Imperial Mantle, which is made of cloth of gold and weighs 3-4kg. It is fastened with a golden eagle clasp and is decorated with fleur-de-lis (a lily that is used as a decorative design or symbol), eagles, and national floral emblems.
King Charles is following tradition by reusing the robes, but he is breaking tradition by using the same coronation sword belt and glove as his grandfather George VI to make the event more 'sustainable'.
According to BBC, a source told them that it was the 'king's decision'.
What are the accessories?
The Coronation Girdle
- Apart from the sword, there is something called The Coronation Girdle. It is a belt that was worn by King George VI in 1937 and will be worn by King Charles during the coronation.
- The Girdle is made of embroidered cloth of gold and has a gold buckle with national emblems. The belt will be placed around the King's waist during the ceremony and will be used to attach the Sword of Offering.
The Gloves
- The Gloves or The Coronation Gauntlet is a single glove made of white leather that will be worn on King Charles' right hand while he holds the Sovereign's Sceptre with a Cross (see the image) during the crowning.
- The glove is embroidered with national emblems and the coat of arms of the family of the Dukes of Newcastle.
Where are these items kept?
The garments, including the robes, girdle, and glove, are kept in the Tower of London and are part of the coronation regalia.
In Short,
According to BBC, King Charles will wear George VI's crimson red Robe of State to Westminster Abbey and will change into the costume (that we discussed above) and a Coronation Stole during the ceremony (a long, narrow embroidered band of gold silk which goes around the shoulders).
At the end of the ceremony, he will change into George VI's purple Robe of Estate to leave the Abbey.