For most of us, it’s enough to think about the suit and matching accessories we have to wear for an upcoming occasion. When you’re a king though, there is much more to consider…

While the finishing touches are made to the robes of King Charles III and his Queen Consort, Camilla ahead of the Coronation on May 6th, we take a look at the robes that will be worn at different parts of the ceremony.

Featured image and all images – photo credit – www.royal.uk

Two different sets of robes will be worn before and after the ceremony – the Robes of State and the Robes of Estate

Robes of State 

Worn on arrival at Westminster Abbey, the Robes of State is made of crimson velvet and is the robe that was worn by King George VI (grandfathers of King Charles III) at his Coronation in 1937. These robes have been worked on in preparation of the Coronation to ensure that everything is just so. 

The Queen Consort will actually wear the robe that was worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her Coronation in 1953. 

The Robes of Estate

Worn on departure by the King and Queen Consort, the Robes of Estate are made of purple silk velvet for the kIng and purple velvet for the Queen. The King’s robe was again worn by King George VI for his coronation. The Queen will wear a new robe which has been specifically designed for the occasion. 

The Investiture

During the investiture, the Supertunica and the Robe Royal are worn. These both date back to 1821 at the Coronation of King George IV and are the only robes, traditionally, that are not made specifically for the occasion (apart from King Charles wearing his grandfather’s robes). The Supertunica and Robe Royal is worn at the moment of crowning. 

Before the Supertunica is placed on the King, the Colobium Sindonis (Shroud Tunic) is worn – it is a very plain garment without any fancy detail or lace. Its simplicity symbolises divesting oneself of all worldly vanity to stand bare before God. 

By contrast to the simplicity of the Colobium Sindonis, the Supertunica is made of gold cloth which is silk thread, wrapped in thin pieces of gold or silver gilt metal. Also known as the Close Pall of Cloth of Gold, it weighs around 2kg. The Robe Royal is a floor length cloak which is worn over the top and weighs in at an additional 3-4kg. This is also known as the Imperial Mantle as was made for George IV (Known for his extravagant tastes) in 1821.

When you add these robes to the St Edward’s Crown, also worn for the moment of crowning, that is approximately 7-8kg of regalia that the king will be carrying. 

While the Coronation robes are traditionally re-used, the monarch will usually receive a new Coronation Sword Belt and Coronation Glove to be used during the ceremony.

Of course, these robes are just one part of this very ancient and traditional act. The Crown Jewels also play a main role with St Edward’s Crown being used at the moment of crowning, the Imperial State Crown being worn with the Robes of Estate as the King exits the Abbey as well as the Orb and Spectres and the Sovereign’s Ring.