For the first major royal event since Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral in September, the royal family honored the late monarch sartorially during King Charles’ coronation. Both Kate Middleton and Queen Camilla paid homage to Queen Elizabeth through their looks.
Camilla arrived to the ceremony, where she was adorned with Queen Mary’s Crown (featuring 2,200 diamonds) wearing Queen Elizabeth’s Robe of State, which the late royal wore to her coronation in 1953. Adjustments were made to fit Camilla by the the oldest tailor in London, Ede and Ravenscroft. Before leaving Westminster Abbey, she changed into a Robe of Estate, a more personalized version, also made by Ede and Ravenscroft.
The crown Queen Camilla chose also had a connection to Queen Elizabeth. It was originally made for Queen Mary by British Jeweller Garrard to wear to her husband King George V’s coronation in 1911. When Queen Mary’s Crown was updated for Camilla, the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds from Queen Elizabeth’s personal collection (which she often wore as brooches) were added, People reports.
Camilla wore another piece by Garrard with her necklace, originally made in 1858 and now dubbed “the coronation necklace.” It was worn by Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, who also wore it on her coronation day in 1953.
The Princess of Wales arrived to Westminster Abbey in a royal robe over her Alexander McQueen white dress, also embroidered with nods to the UK with rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock designs. She accessorized with sentimental jewelry once worn by Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana.
Kate wore the Queen’s George VI Festoon Necklace, which was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth’s father George VI. The late monarch wore the piece numerous times including to state dinners. Kate honored her late mother-in-law by wearing her South Sea Pearl Earrings, which she’s worn on multiple other occasions, including Remembrance Sunday in November 2022 when she chose an outfit very similar to one Princess Diana wore to the service in 1991.
Kate often pays homage to past royals through her outfit choices and jewelry. At Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, she chose a four-strand pearl choker necklace with diamond clasp at the center and Bahrain pearl drop earrings. The earrings were gifted to the Queen on her wedding day in 1947 by Hakim of Bahrain, and the Queen wore the necklace in 1983 to a state banquet in Bangladesh.
For the historic coronation — the first in 70 years — no detail was overlooked.
For more from the royal coronation, check out all the news here.
