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The coronation of King Charles III, succeeding his mother Queen Elizabeth as the new British Monarch, after her remarkable 70-year reign, was a momentous occasion that captured the attention of the entire world, setting a benchmark for the grandeur of royalty in fashion. Of course, attending a royal occasion requires selecting the appropriate attire, and the coronation of a British monarch was the perfect ceremony.
In a magnificent display of regal fashion, Queen Camilla graced the scene adorned in a resplendent Robe of State crafted for the late Queen Elizabeth in 1953. As Queen Camilla graced the entrance to Westminster Abbey for her and King Charles III’s coronation, she bore a unique homage to the beloved Queen Elizabeth II. As per custom, the queen consort donned two exquisite robes during the ceremony — one to be worn at her arrival and the other for her departure. The first robe, a timeless piece of regal attire, had been initially crafted 70 years prior to the coronation of the reigning monarch, Elizabeth II. The ivory gown, embellished with intricate silver and gold floral embroidery, was the masterpiece of British couturier Bruce Oldfield.
As the Queen and her husband, the King, Prince Charles, departed from the Abbey, they were both resplendent in vibrant purple Robes of Estate. King Charles III wore a regal robe previously worn by George VI, while Camilla’s elegant robe designed by the esteemed Royal School of Needlework boasted exquisite nature-themed embroidery. The royal couple looked absolutely stunning as they left the Abbey, a true embodiment of the majesty and grandeur of the British monarchy.
Before the coronation, there was much discussion about departing from established traditions, including the dress code. Instead of grand robes or ceremonial garments, a more relaxed, toned-down attire was preferred. Each outfit was a testament to the exquisite taste and attention to detail of the guest, showcasing the finest garments, jewelry, and accessories. While members of the royal family appeared in customary regalia, the guests kept in line with the king’s wishes for a less ostentatious affair. Fascinators and ‘Morning Dress, Lounge Suit or National Dress’ were worn instead of tiaras, and the guests still managed to dazzle in London’s drizzling rain.
Fashion played a significant role at King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s coronation at Westminster Abbey, with foreign royal families also bringing their fashion game to the historic event. Princess Kate’s gorgeous Alexander McQueen dress and her not-quite-a-tiara headpiece were just some of the highlights. From Queen Letizia of Spain to Queen Raina of Jordan, to Katty Perry, keep reading to see what the guests wore at the history-making British coronation.
Prince William and Princess Kate
The majestic occasion saw Prince William dressed in the resplendent ceremonial garb of the Welsh Guards, which he wore with pride. As the Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, he had been appointed as the ceremonial Colonel of the Welsh Guards in December by King Charles III, the traditional title holder of the position. Princess Kate, on the other hand, looked radiant in an ivory silk crepe dress that had been designed by none other than Alexander McQueen himself, the mastermind behind her iconic wedding gown from 2011, which was also showcased at Westminster Abbey. The dress featured exquisite silver bullion and threadwork embroidery, with intricate motifs of rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock that symbolized the four nations of the United Kingdom.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain
Dressed in a delightful bubblegum-pink outfit that perfectly complemented her regal demeanor, the queen wore a stylish peplum blouse paired with a midi skirt, both specially designed for her by the talented Wes Gordon of Carolina Herrera. Her look was completed with matching pink pumps that added a touch of elegance to her ensemble, and a straw hat wrapped in sheer pink fabric, making her the epitome of grace and sophistication. On the other hand, the king donned a commanding black military uniform, adorned with a striking light blue and crimson sash that added a pop of color to his attire.
King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida of Thailand
The queen radiated in her resplendent blue ensemble, enhanced by a striking yellow sash that complemented her sparkling diamond and sapphire jewelry. With a sleek black box clutch in one hand and shimmering silver heels on her feet, she made a majestic entrance. Standing proudly beside her was the King, decked out in an impressive military uniform that artfully blended the contrasting colors of black and yellow, exuding a commanding presence.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikha Jawaher bint
Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani of Qatar
The Sheikha’s appearance was a sight to behold, draped in a resplendent silver dress that shimmered in the light. Its elaborate embroidery and creamy cape added to her majestic aura. Beside her was the Sheikh, emanating charm and sophistication in his sleek black suit paired with tastefully designed gray pinstripe pants.
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark
Dressed in a striking monochromatic ensemble, the Crown Princess looked resplendent in a rich shade of deep purple. Her outfit included a gorgeous wrap dress, paired with a chic fascinator and elegant heels. Beside her stood the Crown Prince, regal in his attire, donning a sharp black military uniform.
Queen Raina of Jordan
Queen Rania of Jordan exuded radiance at the event, clad in a delightful pastel yellow midi dress, complete with delicately sheer, high-necked underpinnings. She effortlessly complemented the outfit with a stylish matching hat, flawlessly aligning with the day’s trend of forgoing traditional tiaras. A white clutch rested gracefully in her hand, perfectly coordinated with her stunning white pumps.
Jill and Finnegan Biden
In a sartorial gesture of solidarity with Ukraine, US First Lady Jill Biden donned an elegant periwinkle blue skirt suit by Ralph Lauren, accentuated by a coordinating hair bow. Accompanying her was her granddaughter Finnegan Biden, looking effortlessly chic in a pale yellow cape dress designed by Markarian.
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska
A vision in her own right, Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine, was photographed making an entrance alongside the Bidens donning an elegant ensemble featuring an icy blue dress and coat pairing.
Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson, the beloved British actor and “Love Actually” luminary, made a stylish entrance at the event bedecked in a stunning monochrome overcoat adorned with a captivating red rose print, courtesy of Emilia Wickstead. The ensemble was further elevated by the presence of her esteemed Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry stunned at the British coronation in a pink skirt suit paired with a pearl choker designed by none other than the late Vivienne Westwood, a prominent British designer who passed away in December 2022. Perhaps Perry’s choice of jewelry was also a subtle homage to Queen Camilla’s fashion legacy. The Queen is known for her love of three-strand pearl pieces, including an aquamarine necklace that she has been wearing since the 1990s. Not to be outdone, British Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, seen by her side, arrived in a statement-making icy blue waistcoat and polka dot tie, adding a touch of flair to the royal affair.
Princess Anne
Amidst the pomp and pageantry of her brother’s coronation, Princess Anne graced Westminster Abbey with her presence alongside other members of the royal family, clad in royal regalia. Charles and Anne both witnessed their mother Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, but at that time, Anne was deemed too young to attend the event. Nevertheless, Charles did attend the ceremony, and now, decades later, Anne joins him to witness his own ascension to the throne.
