King Charles III to reuse historic Coronation vestments from the Royal Collection for his Coronation
During the upcoming Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on May 6th, King Charles III will don historic clothing items from the Royal Collection that were previously worn by past monarchs during their Coronations. These “vestments” will be worn as His Majesty is crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Coronation Chair.
The King will reuse vestments which featured in the Coronation Services of King George IV in 1821, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, which include the Colobium Sindonis, the Supertunica, the Imperial Mantle, the Coronation Sword Belt and the Coronation Glove.
Although it is customary for the Supertunica and the Imperial Mantle to be reused, he will also reuse the Colobium Sindonis, Coronation Sword Belt and Coronation Glove worn by his grandfather King George VI, in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.
According to royal.uk, the Monarch is invested with the Colobium Sindonis after the Anointing. It takes the form of a white linen shift-like tunic, and a plain collar fastened with a single button, intended to represent a priests’ alb. His Majesty The King will use the Colobium Sindonis worn at the Coronation of his grandfather King George VI at Westminster Abbey on 12th May 1937, which was made by the robemakers Ede & Ravenscroft.
The Supertunica takes the form of a full-length, sleeved gold coat and is worn under the Imperial Mantle. The Sovereign is invested with the Supertunica following the Anointing and it is fastened with the Coronation Sword Belt.
This Supertunica was made in 1911 for the Coronation of King George V, which took place on 22nd June 1911, by Wilkinson and Son, Robe-makers and Tailors. The Supertunica has subsequently also been worn by King George VI at his Coronation on 12th May 1937 and by Queen Elizabeth II on 2nd June 1953, royal.uk has stated.
During the Coronation Service, the Sword Belt is placed around the Supertunica. The Jewelled Sword of Offering is then ‘girded’ or fastened at the Sovereign’s waist using the Sword Belt. The Archbishop presents the Sword to the Monarch while saying that it should be used for the protection of good and the punishment of evil. The Sword is then removed and placed on the altar in Westminster Abbey, before the Sovereign is invested with the Imperial Mantle.
Historically the Sword Belt is supplied new by the Worshipful Company of Girdlers for each Coronation. His Majesty has chosen to reuse the Sword Belt made for the Coronation of his grandfather, King George VI, on 12th May 1937.
The Coronation Glove or gauntlet is made for the Sovereign’s right hand. His Majesty The King has decided to reuse the Coronation Glove made for the Coronation of his grandfather, King George VI, in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.
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