The King and Queen’s consort rehearse elaborate outfit changes for the coronation service
King and queen consort rehearse complicated outfit changes for the coronation service, with Charles retiring into a ‘robe’ to be anointed by the archbishop, before they both change into vibrant estate robes
- King Charles’s crimson robes have been reused from his grandfather’s King George VI
- Queen Consort uses the mantle made for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953
The King and Queen’s consort have been practicing the intricate outfit changes required during the coronation service, The Mail on Sunday has learned.
King Charles is expected to change clothes several times during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, including stripping off a “robe,” which aides have likened to a Dickensian nightgown, before the anointing.
Charles and Camilla will arrive in crimson robes of state. The King’s is repurposed from the robe used by his grandfather, King George VI, and the Queen Consort uses one made for Queen Elizabeth II for her coronation in 1953.
After they are both anointed, crowned and enthroned, they will leave the abbey in new robes of estate in vibrant purple.
The King and Queen’s consort have been practicing the intricate outfit changes required during the coronation service, The Mail on Sunday has learned
The Queen Consort’s new mantle is decorated with bees, beetles and other insects to represent her love of nature.
Lambeth Palace said: ‘As the king prepares to be anointed in the coronation chair, he removes the robes of state. Based on the imagery and symbolism of the king’s simple dress, we see him preparing to receive an anointing or ordination.’
The anthem Zadok The Priest is sung by the choir as a screen obscures the king, representing a moment of intimacy between him and God. The archbishop then anoints the king “on his hands, chest and head.”
Shortly before the anointing of the monarch, a thanksgiving will be given for the holy oil.
It is made with olives harvested from two groves on the Mount of Olives in the Monastery of the Ascension and the Monastery of Mary Magdalene, a place of special significance to King Charles.
The Monastery of Mary Magdalene is the burial place of Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Greece.
Lambeth Palace said: ‘Because it is the most sacred and private moment for the king, the anointing will not be visible to those watching on television or online, nor to anyone at the abbey, with the exception of some senior clergy.
“When the screen around the coronation chair is removed, the king is revealed as one who has taken on the responsibility of serving God and serving the people.”