Camilla, Kate to wear ‘modernized’ gowns, Harry in suit at ‘relaxed’ coronation: expert
With just days to go before the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, stylists and designers are making final adjustments to the outfits that will catch everyone’s eye on May 6.
Royal fashion expert Josh Birch Jones, who is the youngest member of the British Fashion Council, tells Page Six Style that he predicts the royals will opt for a “modernized” look on the big day.
“With the decision to hold a more relaxed coronation, expect to see a more modern gown for this historical moment,” he says of Queen Camilla’s coronation ensemble.
The palace previously announced the ceremony will be a “scaled-down” affair compared to previous coronations, so when it comes to selecting an outfit, the royals must choose wisely to avoid upstaging the King and Queen.
Camilla enlisted the help of British fashion designer Bruce Oldfield to design her coronation gown.
“Queen Camilla promises to be the most watched female royal during the coronation,” Birch Jones told Page Six Style exclusively.
“I would want to see Queen Camilla in an off-white/ivory ensemble, potentially beaded with symbolic motifs of that represent Britain and the commonwealth.”
Birch Jones previously worked with Prince William and Prince Harry’s cousins Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer and famously dressed singer Mica Paris for her Platinum Jubilee performance in 2022.
“Due to the announced modernization of the event we will see a potentially a more paired back version of past coronation robes, again that will include symbolic significance through the embroidery of flowers, nature and animals that are meaningful to Queen Camilla,” he continued.
“Jewelry will be a key focus of the coronation for Queen Camilla, in particular the Queen Consort’s ring, which will be presented on the day of the coronation,” added Birch Jones.
Camilla’s decision to select Oldfield came as a surprise to some, who noted that he was the late Princess Diana’s “favorite” designer.
He was also the mastermind behind the late princess’ most recognizable gowns.
Oldfield developed a close friendship with the Queen Consort over the last few decades, which followed his decade-long friendship with Diana.
For her part, Princess Catherine will be looking to shake things up with a “statement look,” according to Birch Jones.
“All eyes will be focused on the Princess of Wales, who will inevitably attract attention with her classic, yet personal style approach,” he tells us.
“Kate’s new title holds much responsibility, meaning that her participation during the coronation will be heavily watched, so a statement look is called for.”
Birch Jones expects Kate Middleton to support British fashion with her coronation outfit, and predicts that she’ll opt for a coat dress by British designer Catherine Walker.
The princess is known for her love of Walker dresses, which she recently wore during this year’s Easter Service, as well as last year’s Commonwealth Day.
“This piece features a butterfly effect collar which would signify subtle nod to the Princess of Wales’ transformation into her new royal title,” he explained.
“The royal blue in support of the British flag is inevitably expected to be a popular color for the coronation, so expect to see royals choosing red, white, and blue over the course of the upcoming celebrations.”
Indeed, Birch Jones’ words ring true as Kate herself recently hinted at her coronation outfit, revealing that people can expect to see “a hint of blue.”
The princess, 41, has often opted for a blue outfit in her 12 years as a working member of the royal family.
While the exact reason for her love of blue is unknown, the royal family has a long-standing history of association with the color, which represents power, serenity, and stability.
The mom-of-three coordinated her blue outfit with her husband and all three of their children on Easter Sunday last month.
Birch Jones expects the princess to complete the outfit with a pair of matching royal blue Manolo Blahnik classic Hangisi heels ($1,180) and a matching custom Philip Treacy hat.
“Jewelry will also play a prominent role for the coronation, therefore I predict we may see Kate turn to the royal jewelry collection for this event,” he adds.
The princess may “possibly wearing pieces in honor of the late Princess Diana or Queen Elizabeth, despite often opting for more casual jewelry options from brands such as Zara.”
Birch Jones also predicted Prince Harry’s expected coronation outfit.
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“With speculation that Prince Harry may be denied the opportunity to wear the typical military uniform that we expect to see Prince William wear, I predict we may see our controversial prince in a custom suit by Saville Row trailers Dege & Skinner,” he tells us, noting that they were the tailors behind Harry’s wedding suit.
Highlighting “the overall modernization” of the coronation, Birch Jones says that a “modest dark blue suit would be an appropriate choice for the royal’s inevitably turbulent return for the coronation.”
“Again, in support of true British values, I would like to see the incorporation red, white and blue,” he added.
