King Charles III’s Symbolic and Historical Coronation Robes: Everything to Know

Sat, May 6, 2023 at 7:40 AM UTC

When Charles enters Westminster Abbey, he will be seen in the Robe of State, according to Historic U.K. The overcoat is also referred to as the Parliament Robe and is adorned with gold lace and is equipped with a cascading train made of crimson red velvet, according to Royal Central. The Robe of State is also worn during the presentation of the Bible and for the Communion Service. The covering is later removed as Charles moves to the Coronation Chair for the Anointing. The king will wear the robe to every State Opening of Parliament following his coronation.
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At the moment of his crowning, Charles will wear the Robe Royal, which is embroidered with national symbols and finished with silver threading. The garment exemplifies the king as he takes on a "priestly role," per Historic U.K.
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Charles will slip into the Imperial Robe at the end of the coronation. According to Historic U.K., the garb is trimmed with "Canadian ermine" and "includes a sumptuous ermine cape." It will be at this moment that Charles will also wear the Imperial State Crown while carrying the scepter and the orb.
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Robe of State

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When Charles enters Westminster Abbey, he will be seen in the Robe of State, according to Historic U.K. The overcoat is also referred to as the Parliament Robe and is adorned with gold lace and is equipped with a cascading train made of crimson red velvet, according to Royal Central. The Robe of State is also worn during the presentation of the Bible and for the Communion Service. The covering is later removed as Charles moves to the Coronation Chair for the Anointing. The king will wear the robe to every State Opening of Parliament following his coronation.

Willi Schneider/Shutterstock

Cue the pomp and circumstance. King Charles III was officially crowned king as he was anointed during his coronation ceremony on Saturday, May 6.

Charles, 73, initially assumed his place as sovereign following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September 2022. The ceremony reflected "the monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry,” a press release from Buckingham Palace revealed.

The official event was held in London and conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Coronation Service was the main event on the first day of Coronation Weekend. Charles and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, arrived at Westminster Abbey from Buckingham Palace in what's known as "The King’s Procession." Camilla also assumed her new royal title after Her Majesty’s death.

After the Coronation Service, the king and queen will return to Buckingham Palace in the "The Coronation Procession." Other royal family members will join them on their procession back.

Once they arrive at Buckingham Palace, the royal family will appear on the balcony to conclude the day. (Prince William and Princess Kate will definitely be in attendance, while Prince Harry went to the ceremony without wife Meghan Markle.)

Prior to his coronation, Charles underwent an Ascension Ceremony two days after the queen’s death. The service was part of Operation Golden Orb, which outlines the complete plan for Charles inheriting the throne beginning with Her Majesty’s death and ending with his coronation.

“My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion,” Elizabeth’s oldest child told the Ascension Council during the ceremony. “Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”

While the May 6 event is all about Charles’ transition, the garments he wore are just as symbolic as the ceremony itself. In addition to the many jewels and crowns, the U.K. native donned a number of special robes that made appearances at different stages during the coronation.

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