A modern monarch. King Charles III broke tradition with his coronation outfit on Saturday, May 6.
After being crowned inside Westminster Abbey in London, the 74-year-old royal exited the church and headed back to Buckingham Palace. As he participated in the procession, spectators noticed that Charles had teamed his purple Robe of Estate — which was previously worn by his grandfather, King George VI — with tailored pants. In the past, newly crowned kings have donned silk stockings and breeches at the ceremony.
Charles’ decision to put his own twist on coronation attire marks his continued effort to make the monarchy more contemporary — which he has spent a lifetime thinking about.
“I’ve had this extraordinary feeling, for years and years, ever since I can remember really, of wanting to heal and make things better,” he revealed in a 2013 Time cover story. “I feel more than anything else it’s my duty to worry about everybody and their lives in this country, to try to find a way of improving things if I possibly can.”
Earlier during the event, however, Charles did honor his heritage. In addition to kicking off the big day in the Robe of State, the king was seen in the Supertunica — a sleeved gold coat that both George VI and Charles late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, wore during their own crowning ceremonies. Atop the Supertunica, Charles layered with the Imperial Mantle — a metallic covering that was equipped with gold, silver and silk thread. The garment was originally created for King George IV’s 1821 coronation. Charles further accessorized with the Coronation Sword Belt and the Coronation Glove.
The Coronation Glove was especially significant as Charles opted to wear the same one his grandfather sported instead of having a new one made. The piece is designed with embroidery that depicts he national emblem of Tudor Rose.
Charles was crowned alongside his wife, Queen Camilla. The couple received their new…
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