The Coronation outfits worn by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla go on display for the first time as Buckingham Palace opens for the summer
The Coronation outfits worn by King Charles and Queen Camilla will go on display for the first time at Buckingham Palace on Friday 14 July as part of the palace’s Summer Opening of the State Rooms.
The exhibition is especially significant this year as 2023 marks 30 years since Buckingham Palace’s first ever public Summer Opening in 1993.
The exhibition will be staged in the beautiful Ballroom, which was used by the King and Queen as a Coronation rehearsal space.
Visitors will be able to see up close the outfits, jewellery and insignia worn by The King and Queen as they departed from Westminster Abbey and appeared on Buckingham Palace balcony. The display will also include some of the historic garments worn by The King as he was crowned, and the Anointing Screen and Throne Chairs, as well as designs for the Coronation invitation.
The highlight of the display will, of course, be the King and Queen’s magnificent Robes of Estate. The King’s Robe was worn by his great-grandfather King George V and his grandfather King George VI for their Coronations, and was conserved until now by the robemakers Ede and Ravenscroft.
Queen Camilla’s Robe was newly made for the occasion by Ede and Ravenscroft, and hand embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework. It’s design draws on themes of nature and the environment, featuring the floral emblems of the UK, 20 plants chosen for their own personal associations, and plenty of insects.
Queen Camilla’s Coronation Dress was designed by Bruce Oldfield and, as well as the floral designs, visitors may spot personal details on the embroidery, including the names of The Queen’s children and grandchildren, and depiction’s of Her Majesty’s two Jack Russell Terriers, Bluebell and Beth.
Visitors can also see the incredible Coronation Necklace, which was originally made for Queen Victoria in 1858 and has been worn at every Coronation since 1902.
In the Palace’s State Entrance, visitors will see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, which took Their Majesties from the palace to Westminster Abbey for the Coronation.
If you purchase a Royal Day Out ticket, you can combine a trip to the Summer Opening with a trip to the Royal Mews, where you will also be able to see the spectacular Gold State Coach, which carried Their Majesties back to Buckingham Palace from the Abbey, and has been used at every Coronation since that of William IV in 1831.
To find out more about the items on display as part of the exhibition, and to book your tickets, visit the Royal Collection Trust website here.
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