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For royalists, King Charles III’s coronation signals the official changing of the guard, with the 74-year-old the centre of attention at the ostentatious ceremony.
However, for sartorial aficionados amongst us, our eyes are either drawn to the rare appearance of the 22-carat, three kilogram, overtly jewelled and entirely grandiose St Edward’s Crown, or the clothing choices of the senior members of the royal family—which are no doubt rife with hidden meanings.
Such is the case with Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales’ royal ensemble.
As legions of international dignitaries, European royalty and King Charles’ extended family gathered, yes even Prince Harry who sat in row three, in Westminster Abbey, fanfare ushered the Prince and Princess of Wales in—the last to appear, even after the King and the Queen consort.
For the regal fête, Middleton donned a plethora of ceremonial garments, including a coronet of florals (which Princess Charlotte also sported, a white Alexander McQueen gown with embroidered botanical motfis, including rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock—to represent each of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom; England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, respectively—silver pumps and the pièce de résistance, a royal navy cape.
As one of the most senior figures within the British institution, the coronation of her father-in-law isn’t just a family affair, but rather a momentous occasion that sets a chain of events in motion that will one day see her husband, Prince William, and her son, nine-year-old Prince George, repeat respectively when it’s there turn to ascend the throne.
The historical event also marks the first time a Princess of Wales is present at a royal coronation since the appearance of the Queen Mother, Mary of Teck at the coronation of King Edward VII, Queen Elizabeth’s grandfather.
The coronation of King Charles III marks the end of the former Prince of Wales lying in wait for his opportunity to rule as sovereign leader, monarch and head of the Royal family.
His decisive ‘after party’, which saw performances from Lionel Richie and Katy Perry—indeed, no major musical guest from the United Kingdom decided to lend their talents for the occasion—also draws nine months of in situ leadership to a close.
Now, royalists are hoping that Prince William, will cement his new royal title as the Prince of Wales with an investiture similar to his father’s historic ceremony in 1969.
All eyes to the future of the crown.
