As well as wearing several crowns at his Coronation (well, this is a once only event after all), King Charles will also be clothed in a variety of robes. The first out of the royal wardrobe will be the Robe of State and while The King won’t wear it for the whole of the ceremony, it won’t be the only time this special garment is used during his reign.
The Robe of State is worn by the Monarch for their entry into Westminster Abbey for their Coronation. Each King or Queen has their own Robe of State which traditionally consists of a cape of ermine and a long train made of crimson red velvet. This train is trimmed with ermine, trimmed with gold lace and embroidered with gold.
It is worn for the beginning of the Coronation ceremony. As the Monarch enters Westminster Abbey and processes through its ancient walls, they wear the Robe of State. It remains in place while the Monarch is acclaimed and while they take their solemn Coronation oath. The Robe of State is also worn during the presentation of the Bible and for the start of the Communion Service of which the Coronation is part. However, as the most sacred part of the ceremony approaches, the Robe of State must be removed.
As the Monarch moves to the Coronation Chair for the Anointing, the red crimson velvet robe is taken away. It won’t be worn again during the service. The Anointing takes place beneath a canopy and is such an important part of the Coronation that it is shielded from general view. The Archbishop of Canterbury anoints the Monarch with holy oil, making a cross on their head, chest and hands. Following this, the Monarch is robed in the Colobium Sidonis and the Supertunica. Before leaving the Abbey, they go to the Chapel of St. Edward where they put on the Imperial Robe for their procession out.
However, that’s not the end of the Robe of State. It is also known as the Parliament Robe for it is usually worn by the Monarch for every State Opening of Parliament after their Coronation.
The details of King Charles III’s Robe of State haven’t yet been released but the garment he wears will become an important part of royal history as well as an integral part of the symbolism of his own reign.
