King Charles III breaks royal tradition with modernized coronation outfit
God save the King.
King Charles III went with a modern approach for his coronation today, ditching traditional royal attire in favor of a specially made outfit as he arrived at Westminster Abbey with Queen Camilla for the ceremony.
As many royal watchers suspected, the new king, 74, chose not to wear the silk stockings and breeches typically worn at coronations, a look a royal insider told The Sun was deemed “too dated.”
However, he did not choose to wear his full military uniform, as some suspected he might.
Instead, the monarch wore a vintage Robe of State, a crimson Coronation Tunic and a cream silk overshirt with Royal Naval trousers, according to The Telegraph.
His tunic, which was inspired by similar designs worn by King George V and King George VI at their own coronations, was made by Ede and Ravenscroft.
The white Turnbull & Asser shirt, also inspired by King George V and King George VI, features embroidered oak leaves and acorns on the the collars and cuffs.
Meanwhile, the King’s pants are part of his regular attire and are regularly worn as part of His Majesty’s Royal Navy full ceremonial tailcoat.
Keeping with his dedication to sustainability, Charles also opted to rewear the same extravagant Robe of State his grandfather, King George VI, wore to his own coronation in 1937 rather than commission a new piece, as is typical.
The monarch — who took over the throne when his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96 last year — waved to the thousands of people lining the streets of London as he rode in the gilded Diamond Jubilee State Coach.
While Charles looked regal in his tunic, Camilla sported an elegant white embroidered gown by Bruce Oldfield as well as the iconic diamond Coronation Necklace and the late Queen Elizabeth’s own coronation robe.
During the ceremony, both will be crowned with meaningful royal pieces.
At the moment of coronation, the historic St. Edward’s Crown — which dates back to 1611 — will be placed on the King’s head, while he’ll wear the Imperial State Crown upon leaving the abbey.
Camilla will bear the same dazzling crown Queen Mary used in 1911, with the purple style getting a modern update with the addition of some of Queen Elizabeth II’s jewels.
As for Kate Middleton, she chose to go tiara-free for her father-in-law’s big day, instead wearing a leaf-embroidered headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen and twinning with daughter Princess Charlotte, 8.
Prince William kept it traditional, wearing the ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh Guards along with his various medals and badges.
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Prince George, 9, served a special role, carrying the new monarch’s robe as one of the King’s Pages of Honor, while Prince Louis, 5, wore a blue tunic and pants by Dege and Skinner.
After months of speculation, Meghan Markle stayed behind in California with Prince Archie — whose 4th birthday is today — and Princess Lilibet, 1, while Prince Harry attends today’s events in London.
Following the ceremony, the new King and Queen will travel back to Buckingham Palace in the incredible Gold State Coach, where they’ll receive a royal salute from the armed forces joining in the parade.
