When the world watches Britain’s King Charles III’s coronation on May 6, many eyes will be fixed on what the monarch is wearing. On the big day, the eco-conscious king has decided to repurpose several historic items, including some robes literally made of gold.
“His Majesty the King has decided to reuse pieces from his grandfather, King George VI,’s coronation in 1937,” Caroline De Guitaut, Deputy Surveyor of the King’s Works of Art, said.
Clothing the king for his big day necessitates meticulous planning, which includes preparing the Coronation Vestments, which include “two of the most significant pieces worn by the sovereign during the investiture” portion of the ancient coronation ceremony, according to De Guitaut, who displayed two golden robes that “haven’t been worn in 70 years.”
When King Charles is crowned at Westminster Abbey in London, he will wear the same royal robes that his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, wore for her coronation in 1953.
The Golden Imperial Mantle, which was first made for King George IV in 1821, will be worn beneath a glittering, embroidered robe made of gold silk called the Supertunica.
“It is woven from gold cloth and embroidered with goldwork embroidery to a design with a strong tradition,” De Guitaut explained.
The monarch was determined to make his coronation as environmentally friendly as possible, so other historic items were dusted off and restored for the occasion.
“We’ve got this wonderful, sustainable, eco-friendly king who’s reusing something rather than having a new glove,” Deborah Moore, CEO of Dents Glovemakers, explained.
Charles will don the same coronation glove that his grandfather wore nearly a century ago.
The glove, according to De Guitaut, will be “placed on the king’s right hand during the investiture” on Saturday.
The king will also use his grandfather’s sword belt to wrap around the Supertunica.
The king’s 9-year-old grandson, Prince George, will assist in carrying the golden robes through Westminster Abbey as Charles walks to his throne for the crowning moment.
