As the coronation on Saturday draws near, King Charles is weaving his dedication to environmental sustainability into the celebrations. When the Archbishop of Canterbury officially crowns him in the Coronation Chair, King Charles will wear vestments that his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, wore during her 1953 coronation. These garments have been part of coronations dating back to 1821.
However, King Charles’ choice to reuse these historic garments from the Royal Collection is more than just symbolic. It’s a deliberate statement about sustainability. Buckingham Palace announced that, while it’s customary to reuse the Supertunica and the Imperial Mantle, King Charles will also reuse the Coronation Sword Belt, Colobium Sindonis, and Coronation Glove worn by King George VI. The repurposed vestments include those worn at the 1821 coronation of King George IV, the 1911 service for King George V, the 1937 service for King George VI, and in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II.
Environmental concerns have long been a priority for the monarch, who has consistently spoken up about them. King Charles has previously referred to the climate crisis as a genuine emergency, stressing the need to address it. He has expressed deep concerns about the consequences of inaction and the dangers of sticking to the status quo.
The Colobium Sindonis, symbolizing purity before God, will be worn during the anointing, the most sacred part of the ceremony. The anointing is a private moment, and cameras were not allowed to photograph Queen Elizabeth’s anointing. The Colobium Sindonis is covered by the gold-embroidered Supertunica, which has been worn since the coronation of King George V in 1911, as well as by George VI in 1937 and Elizabeth II in 1953.
The Imperial Mantle and the Stole Royal will be worn over the Supertunica. The Imperial Mantle, created in 1821 for the coronation of George IV, is the oldest robe in the coronation collection. The Stole Royal was made for Queen Elizabeth’s coronation and features national, religious, and Commonwealth emblems.
By blending tradition with his innovative decision to reuse historic vestments, King Charles showcases his modern role while staying firmly grounded in time-honored traditions and pageantry.