King and Queen Consort rehearse complicated outfit changes for Coronation service that will see Charles strip back to a ‘vestment’ to be anointed by the Archbishop, before they both change into vibrant Robes of Estate
- King Charles’s crimson robe is repurposed from his grandfather’s King George VI
- Queen Consort is using the robe made for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 Coronation
The King and Queen Consort have been rehearsing the complicated outfit changes required during the Coronation service, The Mail on Sunday has learned.
King Charles is expected to change several times during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, including stripping back to a ‘vestment’, which aides have likened to a Dickensian nightshirt, for the anointing.
Charles and Camilla will arrive in crimson Robes of State. The King’s is repurposed from the robe used by his grandfather King George VI and the Queen Consort is using one made for Queen Elizabeth II for her 1953 Coronation.
After they have both been anointed, crowned and enthroned, they will depart the abbey in new Robes of Estate in vibrant purple.
The King and Queen Consort have been rehearsing the complicated outfit changes required during the Coronation service, The Mail on Sunday has learned
The Queen Consort’s new Robe of Estate has been adorned with bees, beetles and other insects to depict her love of nature.
Lambeth Palace said: ‘As the King prepares to be anointed upon the Coronation Chair, he removes the Robes of State. Drawing upon the imagery and symbolism of the King’s simple clothing, we see him prepare to undergo an anointing or consecration.’
The anthem Zadok The Priest is sung by the choir as a screen obscures the King, representing a moment of intimacy between him and God. The Archbishop then anoints the King ‘on his hands, breast and head’.
A thanksgiving will be said for the holy oil shortly before the anointing of the Monarch.
It was created using olives harvested from two groves on the Mount of Olives at the Monastery of the Ascension and the Monastery of Mary Magdalene, a place with a special significance for King Charles.
The Monastery of Mary Magdalene is the burial place of Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Greece.
Lambeth Palace said: ‘Being the most deeply holy and personal moment for the King the anointing will not be visible to those watching on television or online, nor indeed for anyone in the abbey, with the exception of a few senior clergy.
‘When the screen around the Coronation chair is removed, The King is revealed as someone who has taken on the responsibility of serving God and serving the people.’
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