King Charles III acceded to the throne on the sad death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8th, 2022. Last Saturday, May 6th, 2023, saw the crowning of Charles and his wife Camilla as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey. The coronation was a mixture of old and newly adapted traditions to celebrate the modern United Kingdom and Commonwealth and its diversity. While members of the royal family arrived in traditional regalia, the guests were invited to don more relaxed pared-down looks in a nod to modernity. Let's take a look at some of the guests and their attire.
Katy Perry
Singer Katy Perry, who headlined the coronation concert on Sunday, May 7th, was also invited to the ceremony as an ambassador for the British Asian Trust. Katy chose a pastel pink skirt suit with short sleeves, flap pockets, and rounded lapels that echoed the rounded peplum-style hem of her jacket. She paired it with matching opera-length gloves and an airy hat made of pink mesh and tulle. As a nod to Britain, Katy wore a Vivienne Westwood necklace and cream handbag. The necklace was of a three-strand pearl design, which may have been in tribute to Queen Camilla, known for wearing many three-strand pearl pieces.
Emma Thompson
British actress and Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) Emma Thompson arrived at the coronation in a simple black knee-length dress overlayed with a monochrome red rose-printed calf-length coat by Emilia Wickstead. She finished the look with black satin Roger Vivier shoes with crystal-encrusted buckles and heels for a touch of glamour.
Jill and Finnegan Biden
America's First Lady Jill Biden attended the coronation with her granddaughter Finnegan on behalf of U.S. President Joe Biden. They coordinated their outfits' colours to match the Ukrainian flag in a gesture of solidarity for the war-torn country. Jill wore a knee-length periwinkle blue Ralph Lauren skirt suit with an asymmetrical invisible closure on the left side of the jacket, creating a v-shaped neckline with no lapels. She accessorised with a matching coloured hair bow and gloves. Her granddaughter Finnegan wore a buttery yellow dress and matching cape made by Markarian. She finished the look with yellow suede high heels and a headband of yellow tulle roses, the official flower of Washington D.C.
Nick Cave
Australian musician and admirer of the late Queen was a surprise invitee to the coronation. It is assumed that he was chosen for his contributions to music and culture. He looked sophisticated in a traditional slim-fitting single-breasted black three-piece suit with jetted pockets and peak lapels. He paired the suit with a classic white shirt, coordinating black tie and Gucci horse-bit loafers.
Other attendees included world leaders and politicians.
King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain
Representing his country, King Felipe wore a formal military suit complete with a blue sash, multiple medals, and gold embroidery. His wife, Queen Letizia, donned a bubble-gum pink Carolina Herrera skirt suit with a peplum jacket and elaborate embroidery in the same colour around the rounded neckline.
King Letsie III and Queen Masenate Mahot Seeiso of Lesotho
King Letsie III donned a formal single-breasted black suit with a spread-collar white shirt and a subtly patterned blue silk tie. His wife, Queen Masenate Mahot Seeiso, chose a sapphire blue paisley-printed floor-length gown with a sculptural off-the-shoulder neckline and leg of mutton sleeves with large cuffs.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan represented their country in traditional dress. King Jigme Khesar wore an orange and purple striped Bhutanese Gho, while Queen Jetsun Pema donned a complementary lilac-coloured Kira beautifully embroidered in gold, blue and pink.
Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan
Prince Akishino dressed in a traditional Western-style morning suit with a black waistcoat under a black tailcoat, striped grey slim-fitting trousers, a white shirt, and a matching grey tie. His wife, Crown Princess Kiko, wore a traditional Japanese blush pink silk kimono with embroidered flowers and a flower-patterned obi.
Which of the Guests' Outfits Was Your Favourite?
Did you like any of the celebrities, royalty or politicians' outfits? Did you spot any stunning looks that we missed?
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