If there was one thing we were expecting from King Charles III’s coronation, it was that Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton) would be dressed like royalty.
The coronation was a spectacular event that showcased British design and craftsmanship. The Queen wore two robes, one upon arrival at Westminster Abbey and one during her exit. The first robe was a subtle nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II, as it was the one she wore during her coronation 70 years ago. Made of crimson velvet, the piece was conserved by robe makers at Ede and Ravenscroft.
The regal white coat dress was designed by Bruce Oldfield, with an embroidered underskirt featuring delicate gold and silver embroidered flowers, including daisies. The hem of the underskirt and cuffs featured flower emblems from the United Kingdom’s four nations.
The Robe of Estate, which the Queen wore during the coronation ceremony, was designed and hand-embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. The piece was made of majestic purple velvet, matching King Charles’s Robe of Estate. It featured gold embroidery with the Queen’s cypher, the United Kingdom’s national emblems, and symbols of nature. The embroidered flowers also had a special meaning to Camilla, as the Lily of the Valley was one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorites and was included in Camilla’s wedding bouquet. The Delphinium was one of Charles’s favorites, and the birth flower for July, Camilla’s birth month.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, stole the show with her ivory silk crepe Alexander McQueen dress. The dress had silver bullion and embroidery featuring the floral emblems of the United Kingdom. She completed her look with Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond earrings and a headpiece made of silver bullion, crystal, and silver threadwork by Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen.
According to cultural historian and expert on royal dresses Dr. Benjamin Wild, the absence of tiaras during the coronation made the monarchy significantly more relevant and modern. Only the King and Queen wore jewel-encrusted crowns to elevate their status.
