King Charles Will Reuse Historic Garments For Coronation To Make An Eco Stand

At King Charles III’s forthcoming coronation on May 6, 2023, the Royal won’t be appearing in brand-new garb, choosing rather to reuse clothing worn by his predecessors for the official ceremony.

According to The Royal Household, the monarch, who has spearheaded eco-innovation projects with former Apple Design Chief Sir Jony Ive, made the decision in the “interests of sustainability and efficiency.”

Instead of new made-to-measure robes, the King will appear in historic vestments used in the coronations of King George IV in 1821, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937, and Queen Elizabeth in 1953.

Traditionally, customary items such as the Supertunica and the Imperial Mantle are reused in the ceremonies. But this time, additional pieces, including the Colobium Sindonis, Coronation Sword Belt, and Coronation Glove, will be recycled as well.

The Colobium Sindonis, which is a white linen shift-like tunic with a plain collar, will be donned by the Royal after the Anointing, representing a priest’s alb. This time, King Charles will use the garment previously worn by his grandfather King George VI.

For the unfamiliar, the Supertunica is a full-length, sleeved gold coat worn under the Imperial Mantle. After being placed onto the King, the former is then fastened with the Coronation Sword Belt. The piece was made in 1911 for the coronation of King George V by Wilkinson and Son.

The design of the garb has changed little since it was first used in medieval times, featuring an embroidered band with spiral threads on each side of the front in the shape of leafy stems. This was created using the goldwork technique as part of a centuries-old tradition.

Last but not least, the oldest vestment used in the ceremony is the Imperial Mantle, which was made for King George VI all the way back in 1821. The garment is made of cloth of gold, gold, silver, silk thread, silk, gold bullion fringe, and a gold clasp shaped like an eagle.

Its designs feature fanciful roses, thistles, shamrocks, crowns, eagles, and fleurs-de-lis, skillfully created by the tailor John Meyer and the Royal Goldsmiths in the 19th century. Rundell, Bridge, and Rundell supplied the gold eagle clasp.

The King will have accessories to add some shine to his look, with the Coronation Sword Belt—known as the Girdle—made from gold cloth and embroidered in gold thread with arabesques and scrolls.

Additionally, he will wear the Coronation Glove, or Gauntlet, on his right hand. This white leather item is worn to hold the Royal’s Sceptre during the crowning and then removed before processing to the Throne Chair. 

[via Robb Report and The Royal Household, images via The Royal Household]