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LOOK: Here's what King Charles III will wear during his much-anticipated coronation

By John Patrick Magno Ranara Published May 02, 2023 8:29 pm

Any royal is expected to appear elegant and refined at all times, especially when they are about to become the next monarch of their country.

As King Charles III is expected to be coronated on May 6 after his mother and the previous monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died at the age of 96, the social media accounts on the royal family have been teasing glimpses of what Britain's new king will wear during the symbolic ceremony.

On their official Instagram account, the royal family shared a series of pictures showing the historic vestments that Charles will use for the coronation service, which will be held at Westminster Abbey, a royal church in the center of London.

Perhaps the most eye-catching garment of them all is the Imperial Mantle, a robe-like cloak that is considered the oldest vestment to be used in the coronation service. Crafted in 1821, the mantle's cloth is made out of gold, silver, and silk thread and is woven with roses, thistles, shamrocks, crowns, eagles, and fleurs-de-lis.

Underneath the magnificent cloak is the Supertunica, an ankle-length gold coat that dates back to 1911. Its intricate design displays an embroidered band with spiral threads that is based on ecclesiastical vestments from the medieval times.

Victoria Jones / POOL / AFP

The coat is then fastened with the Coronation Sword Belt made out of gold cloth with a buckle that is stamped with national emblems such as roses, thistles, and shamrocks.

Victoria Jones / POOL / AFP

The belt is significant as it is where the Jeweled Sword of Offering will be fastened after it is presented by the Archbishop. The sword is a symbol of the "protection of good and the punishment of evil." 

Aside from these, Charles will also put on the Coronation Glove that is made for his right hand. It is crafted using white leather and is meticulously embroidered with an emblem containing national symbols such as Tudor rose, thistles, shamrocks, oak leaves, and acorns.

Victoria Jones / POOL / AFP

The 73-year-old Charles will not be the first one to wear the royal attire as it was previously donned by King George IV in 1821, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937, and Elizabeth in 1953 in their respective coronation ceremonies.

Charles' coronation will have Lionel Richie and Katy Perry performing at the much-anticipated spectacle. His younger son Prince Harry is set to attend, despite his criticisms of the royal family that have been publicized since he moved to the US in early 2020. Other big names who will reportedly appear are Tom Cruise, Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger, and iconic cartoon character Winnie the Pooh.