The coronation of King Charles III was a magnificent affair, with all eyes on Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine (popularly known as Kate Middleton) as they showcased their stunning royal attire.
The event served as a testament to the excellence of British design and artistry. Queen Camilla donned two different robes during the ceremony, each symbolizing something special. The first robe, a rich crimson velvet, honored the late Queen Elizabeth II, as it was the same garment she wore during her own coronation 70 years prior. The expert robe makers at Ede and Ravenscroft meticulously preserved the robe.
Camilla’s elegant white coat dress, designed by Bruce Oldfield, featured an exquisite embroidered underskirt adorned with gold and silver floral motifs, including daisies. The hem and cuffs of the underskirt displayed flower symbols representing the four countries of the United Kingdom.
For the actual coronation, Queen Camilla wore the Robe of Estate, an impressive piece hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. The majestic purple velvet robe, which matched King Charles’s own Robe of Estate, was embellished with intricate gold embroidery, the Queen’s cypher, national symbols of the United Kingdom, and various natural elements. The embroidered flowers included the Lily of the Valley, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth and part of Camilla’s wedding bouquet, and the Delphinium, cherished by Charles and the birth flower for Camilla’s birth month, July.
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, captivated onlookers in a beautiful ivory silk crepe dress by Alexander McQueen. The attire featured silver bullion and embroidery, showcasing the floral emblems of the United Kingdom. To complement her outfit, Kate donned Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond earrings and a headpiece crafted from silver bullion, crystal, and silver threadwork, designed by Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen.
Dr. Benjamin Wild, a cultural historian and expert on royal attire, observed that the lack of tiaras during the coronation gave the monarchy a modern touch. He noted that only the King and Queen wore jewel-encrusted crowns, further emphasizing their royal status.
The late Queen Elizabeth II wore several unique garments during her coronation on June 2, 1953. Among the most notable was the Coronation Dress designed by British designer Norman Hartnell. The white satin gown featured elaborate embroidery, including floral symbols representing the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth nations. Along with the dress, she wore the St. Edward’s Crown, the Imperial State Crown, and the Robe of Estate—a long, crimson velvet robe with a train.