King Charles’s modernisation drive continues: Monarch is set to ‘break with centuries of tradition’

King Carlos III is set to break with tradition when he attends his coronation in May by opting for his military uniform instead of standard royal dress, it was said last night.

Her Majesty, 74, will reportedly not wear silk stockings and breeches because they “look too old-fashioned” and she wants the ceremony to reflect a “21st century modern monarchy”.

Charles was said to be “happy” to wear the same garments as his grandfather and great-grandfather, however senior aides said he “shouldn’t be wearing them”.

Contrary to previous reports that the occasion is expected to be a smaller affair than the late Queen’s ceremony, it is also understood that the spectacle will “knock your mind off”.

The monarch is supposedly expected to arrive in the Fleet Admiral’s uniform, which he wore during the State Opening of Parliament last year.

“Although some of the more neat Coronation items will be moved away or modernized, the King was happy to wear the breeches and stockings,” a source said. Sun.

“But in a discussion with the main attendees, they say that he shouldn’t wear them, so he’ll arrive in a military uniform instead.

‘It has to do a lot with the modernization of Coronation and the removal of congestion.

“They think that having a 74-year-old King arriving in stockings and breeches in 2023 seems too old-fashioned. They are probably right.

He will also wear the St. Edward’s crown, which was made in 1661 for the coronation of King Charles II.

It is made of solid gold and features more than 400 precious stones, including six sapphires and 12 rubies. It weighs almost 5 pounds (2.23 kg).

St Edward’s Crown is a replacement for the original that was among the crown jewels that were melted down and sold when the monarchy was abolished in 1649.

A Buckingham Palace statement in October said: “The coronation will reflect the role of the monarch today and look to the future, while taking root in long-standing traditions and pageantry.”

He added: ‘The coronation is a solemn religious service, together with an occasion for celebration and pomp.

“The ceremony has retained a similar structure for over a thousand years, and this year’s coronation is expected to include the same core elements while acknowledging the spirit of our time.

‘For the last 900 years, the ceremony has taken place in Westminster Abbey, London. Since 1066 the service has almost always been carried out by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Unlike the Queen’s Coronation, the Mail on Sunday previously revealed that the service will last just over an hour, instead of more than three.

The guest list may also be reduced from 8,000 to 2,000 and discussions have been taking place about having a more relaxed dress code.

While some extensive traditions that appeared in 1953 will be removed, the highly sacred moment of the monarch’s anointing will remain.

A canopy of gold cloth will be held over Charles’ head during the anointing, so no one else can see.

Charles will swear to be the ‘defender of the faith’, not the ‘defender of the faith’, a change that was previously speculated.

The King will sit on the Coronation Chair, which dates back to the early 14th century.

After being anointed, Carlos will have the crown of Saint Edward placed on his head, officially crowning him as King Carlos III.

The 1762 Golden State Carriage, which was refurbished at great expense for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, will also be part of the Coronation procession.

Prince William will also assume new titles at the Coronation, including the formal appointment as Prince of Wales.

The Duchess of Cornwall will be crowned Queen alongside the King at Westminster Abbey.

She will formally take the title of Queen Consort and the Crown of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, will be placed on her head.

The crown was made for the coronation of King George VI, when the Queen Mother was crowned alongside her husband.

After the service at Westminster Abbey, the King can head to Buckingham Palace to stand on the balcony with the most important members of his family.

The bank holiday weekend means most Britons will be able to celebrate the King’s coronation for two more days until they return to work on Tuesday.

No plans for street parties have been announced yet, but there could be scenes similar to those in 1953, when thousands of celebrations took place across the country.

In his interview with ITV’s Tom Bradby, the Duke of Sussex insisted that “a lot can happen” between now and May, when asked if he would attend his father’s coronation.

However, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle will not be welcome at the occasion, following criticism directed at their family.

A source told The Sun: ‘There have been arguments between the family, including Edward and Anne.

“They don’t want the private conversations at the coronation to become Spare’s pocket edition.”

Another source said: “The family hopes Harry and Meghan find a reason not to be there.”

Details about the broadcasters’ plans for the service have not yet been released, but it is expected to be televised.

The Queen’s Coronation was shown on television and caused an explosion in television ownership in Britain.

Around 27 million people watched the ceremony, with another 11 million listening on the radio.