Every Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at King Charles's Coronation
The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla was filled with subtle nods to the legacy of the last British sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.
The queen, who died in September 2022, was featured in touching tributes all throughout the ceremony, from the floral decorations at Westminster Abbey to Princess Kate's jewelry.
Ahead, we break down each homage to the late queen.
The Flowers
The High Altar was covered in "boughs cut from flowering shrubs and trees from the five Royal Horticultural Society gardens across the British Isles," the palace said in a statement. Among these branches was a pair from the Dawyck beech trees that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip planted at the Royal Horticultural Society's Wisley garden back in 1928.
Queen Camilla's Robe of State
Worn when she first arrived at the service, the queen consort's Robe of State was a subtle nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II. In fact, the piece was originally made for the late monarch, who wore it during her 1953 coronation.
The dramatic piece is made of crimson velvet, and has been conserved by robemakers at Ede and Ravenscroft.
Princess Kate's Necklace
Princess Kate paid homage to the late monarch by donning the George VI Festoon necklace, which was originally made for then-Princess Elizabeth in 1950 at the request of her father, King George VI. The stunning piece includes strands of diamonds.
Another special set of jewelry that honors a passed royal family member? The pearl-and-diamond earrings Kate wore to Westminster Abbey also originally belonged to Princess Diana.
Buckingham Palace previously announced that the coronation service would "reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry."
The historic occasion—which marks the first British coronation in 70 years, with the last occurring for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953—will be extended with other related events throughout the weekend, including a Coronation Concert, a community event called the Big Lunch, and a volunteering event dubbed the Big Help Out.
The palace notes, "The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort will be marked with events across the country and a concert at Windsor Castle. Their Majesties want to encourage people to spend the Coronation Weekend celebrating with friends, families and their communities."
The ceremony was intentionally designed to weave in the king's lifelong passion for the environment, with several decisions being made in the interest of sustainability. This includes the king and queen consort's reuse of their throne chairs and crowns, the invitations being printed on recycled paper, and thoughtfully crafted floral arrangements.
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