King Carlos III is set to wear historical garments during his British coronation. The garments have been previously worn by several monarchs in their religious ceremonies of consecration, including Kings George IV, George V, George VI, and Elizabeth II. The King will wear the ‘Colobium Sindonis’, the Supertunic, the imperial cloak, the belt, and the glove, all of which have been recycled for the sake of sustainability, savings, and austerity.
The ‘Colobium Sindonis’ is intended to represent a priestly alb, and Carlos III will be invested with it just after the anointing ceremony. The Supertunic, which is based on medieval coronation designs and has not changed much, features a band embroidered with spiral threads, presented in the shape of leafy stems using goldsmithing techniques.
The imperial mantle, which is worn over the Supertunic, is the oldest clothing that Carlos III will wear at the coronation service. It was made for the coronation of George IV in 1821 and has been worn ever since by George V, George VI, and Elizabeth II. The golden clasp is in the shape of an eagle, which can also be seen on the anointing screen, and in the shape of the phial containing the chrism oil with which the King will be anointed.
The belt, also known as the coronation sword belt, is made of gold cloth and embroidered in gold thread with arabesques and scrolls. It is lined with dark red silk, with a golden buckle stamped with the national emblems and a golden clip to hold the jeweled sword, another symbol of the coronation.
The coronation glove or gauntlet is made for the sovereign’s right hand and is used to hold the scepter during the coronation. Lord Indarjit Singh of Wimbledon will present the gauntlet to the King, which is made of white leather and embroidered with gold metal thread, wire, and sequins in the shape of the national emblems.
In conclusion, King Carlos III’s coronation garments have significant historical and religious importance, and their recycling is a testament to sustainability and austerity.
