The symbolism behind the jewelry and fashion worn at the coronation
Filled with pomp and circumstance, Saturday's coronation of King Charles III proved to be a historic occasion for both the 2,200 guests inside Westminster Abbey and the legions of people lining the streets of London hoping to catch a glance of the Royal Family. As expected, the women of the Royal Family used the pieces of jewelry and fashion they wore to the momentous occasion as an opportunity to honor those that came before them.
The Item: Princess Diana's Diamond and South Sea Pearl Earrings
The Significance: The Princess of Wales honored both the late Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana with her choice of jewelry at the coronation. As she peered over her shoulder while entering Westminster Abbey, fans were able to see Middleton wearing the famed diamond and pearl earrings that were a favorite of Princess Diana. Featuring a horseshoe design at the top and a stream of diamonds that cascade downward, the elegant set has been worn several times before by Middleton, including at the most recent Remembrance Sunday service.
The Item: The late Queen's George VI Festoon necklace
The Significance: Originally created in 1950 as a gift from King George VI to his daughter, the necklace, which features three tiers of stunning diamonds, was also worn by then Princess Elizabeth before being crowned Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Middleton also demonstrated that she's always capable of surprising her fans with her fashion choices. She eschewed the predictions that she would wear a traditional tiara to the coronation, and instead, chose a silver headpiece by Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen, featuring embroidery work of rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock symbolizing the four nations of the UK. That was elegantly paired with an Alexander McQueen ivory silk full-length gown and a blue ceremonial robe draped over her shoulders.
The Item: The Coronation Necklace featuring the Lahore Diamond
The Significance: Formerly referred to as 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. Reportedly, the diamonds came from Queen Victoria's jewelry collection. The legendary jewels were paired with a white silk dress covered in floral embroidery that was designed by Bruce Oldfield. She also wore a traditional robe known as The Robe of State, which was first made for the late Queen Elizabeth II.
While it's 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. Featuring more than 2000 diamonds, Camilla chose to switch some 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.
The Item: A Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece
The Significance: Echoing her mother, Princess Charlotte, 8, wore the same Jess Collett x Alexander McQueen headpiece featuring intricate floral embroidery, with her hair swept up in a chic updo. She also wore an ivory Alexander McQueen dress as she entered Westminster Abbey to honor her grandfather.
The Item: Diamond drop earrings and a diamond necklace
The Significance: Princess Eugenie, 33, who is expecting her second child, arrived at the coronation alongside her father, Prince Andrew, and her husband Jack Brooksbank. Proving her fashion prowess once again, she sported a navy dress with a round hat in a similar color tone, as well as a long black coat and black sandals. For her jewelry picks, Eugenie chose a diamond necklace and diamond drop earrings, which were paired with a black handbag.
Princess Beatrice: Princess Beatrice
The Item: Garrard pink sapphire earrings
The Significance: Beatrice's jewelry choices included gold bracelets and rings, and hoop earrings featuring pink sapphire, rubellite, and pink opal, by Garrard. She paired the baubles with a hot pink dress with puffy sleeves and a built-in belt as she strolled into Westminster Abbey alongside her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
Princess Anne
The Item: Gold Stick Uniform
The Significance: As expected, Princess Anne wasn't draped in jewels like the other women of the Royal Family. She played a unique role in the Coronation Procession as 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, and rode on horseback behind King Charles, leading 6,000 armed services personnel through London. As for her choice to take on the task, the sister of King Charles told CBC News that it's an exercise in practicality. "So that is a role I was asked if I'd like to do for this coronation, so I said yes. Not least of all, it solves my dress problem," she joked.
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