King Charles III will be reusing historic items of clothing, worn by previous monarchs at their own ceremonies, as he is crowned Saturday at his coronation in London's Westminster Abbey, a nod to the symbolism dating back 1,000 years while highlighting his interest in"sustainability and efficiency."
The imperial mantle, which was made in 1821, is made of cloth of gold, gold, silver and silk thread, silk, gold bullion fringe and a gold clasp. It is the oldest piece of clothing that's being used at this coronation. Historically, a new sword belt is supplied for each coronation. However, once again the King has chosen to use the one created for his grandfather, King George VI, after undergoing some minor conservation by the Royal School of Needlework.
It's quite unusual to reuse vestments, Berthelsen said, however,"things have been carefully preserved over the years. particularly in the last century, where preservation techniques were better. They didn't become moth-eaten and stuff like that. … So it's possible for them to do that where it wasn't before.
It is also made of crimson velvet and robemakers at Ede and Ravenscroft have conserved the garment with adjustments. Drawing on the themes of nature and the environment, reflecting the King and Queen's"affection for the natural world":There are also a number of plants, including the lily of the valley, which featured in Camilla's wedding bouquet, and was a favourite flower of Queen Elizabeth II; myrtle, which represents hope; and delphinium, one of the King's favourite flowers and the birth flower of July, her birth month.