Filled with pomp and circumstance, Saturday’s coronation of King Charles III proved to be a historic occasion for both the 2,200 guests at Westminster Abbey and the legions of people who lined the streets of London hoping to catch a glimpse of the royal family . As expected, the women of the royal family used the jewelry and fashion they wore on the momentous occasion as an opportunity to honor those who came before them.
Kate Middleton
The object: Princess Diana’s earrings with diamonds and South Sea pearls
The meaning: The Princess of Wales honored both the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana with her choice of jewelery at the coronation. Peering over her shoulder as she entered Westminster Abbey, fans could see Middleton wearing the famous diamond and pearl earrings that were a favorite of Princess Diana. Featuring a horseshoe design across the top and a stream of diamonds flowing down, the elegant set has been worn by Middleton several times before, including at the most recent Remembrance Sunday service.
The object: The late Queen’s George VI Festoon necklace
The meaning: Originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, the necklace, which features three rows of beautiful diamonds, was also worn by the then Princess Elizabeth before she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Middleton also showed that she always knows how to surprise her fans with her fashion choices. She eschewed predictions that she would wear a traditional tiara at the coronation, opting instead for a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen silver headpiece, featuring embroidery of rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock symbolizing the four nations of the UK. It was elegantly paired with an ivory silk evening gown by Alexander McQueen and a blue ceremonial robe draped over her shoulders.
Queen Camilla
The object: The coronation necklace with the Lahore diamond
The meaning: Formerly called the Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Camilla’s jewels were previously worn by the late Queen Elizabeth II at her own coronation in 1953, as well as by Queen Mary and Queen Alexandra before her. The diamonds reportedly came from Queen Victoria’s jewelry collection. The legendary jewels were paired with a white silk dress covered in floral embroidery designed by Bruce Oldfield. She also wore a traditional robe known as The Robe of State, which was first created for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
While not traditional jewelry, it would be impossible to ignore Queen Camilla’s crown, which was designed for Mary to wear at George V’s coronation in 1911. With over 2,000 diamonds, Camilla chose to have a number of change things up by having it re-set with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds, which were part of the late monarch’s personal collection.
Princess Charlotte
The object: a Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece
The meaning: Following her mother’s lead, Princess Charlotte, 8, donned the same Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece with intricate floral embroidery, with her hair pinned up in a chic updo. She also wore an ivory Alexander McQueen dress as she entered Westminster Abbey to honor her grandfather.
Princess Eugenie
The object: Diamond earrings and a diamond necklace
The meaning: Princess Eugenie, 33, who is expecting her second child, arrived at the coronation along with her father, Prince Andrew, and husband Jack Brooksbank. She once again proved her fashion prowess by wearing a navy blue dress with a round hat in a similar shade of color, as well as a long black coat and black sandals. For her jewelry choices, Eugenie chose a diamond necklace and diamond earrings, which were paired with a black handbag.
Princess Beatrice: Princess Beatrice
The object: Garrard pink sapphire earrings
The meaning: Beatrice’s jewelry choices included gold bracelets and rings, and earrings with pink sapphire, rubellite and pink opal, from Garrard. She paired the baubles with a hot pink dress with puff sleeves and a built-in belt as she walked into Westminster Abbey with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Princess Anne
The item: Gold Stick uniform
The meaning: As expected, Princess Anne was not draped in jewels like the other women of the royal family. She played a unique role in the coronation procession when she served as the “Gold-Stick-in-Waiting”, a prestigious position that dates back to the 15th century when two officers – a Gold Stick and a Silver Stick – were placed close to the monarch to protect them from harm. She has held the role since 1998, riding behind King Charles on horseback, leading 6,000 troops through London. As for her choice to take on the job, King Charles’ sister told CBC News that it is a hands-on exercise. “So that’s a role I was asked if I’d like to play for this coronation, so I said yes. Last but not least, it solves my clothing problem,” she joked.
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