Heir to the royal British throne for 70 years, King Charles III will officially be crowned the king in a magnificently historical and deeply religious ceremony on May 6. Many will gather at Westminster Abbey to witness history taking place in front of their eyes while others will have to settle for a live broadcast to watch a glorious display of British pageantry. The coronation may be derived from the Latin word "corona" meaning crown, but the ceremony is more than just placing the crown on the sovereign's head. In the wake of newer global issues, both natural and man-made, the role of the British crown as a representative of not just Britain but also as a world citizen grows extensively. Through the coronation ceremony, King Charles III focuses on sustainability through his outfit of choice. As per reports, King Charles will be reusing several historical garments worn by previous monarchs at past coronations in the interests of sustainability and efficiency.
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The Colobium Sindonis, the white linen shift cloth worn by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, the Supertunica, a golden ornately designed trench worn over it, the Imperial Mantle, previously worn by King George IV, is a cloak made of cloth of gold woven in coloured threads with emblems embroidered in a curvilinear pattern, the Coronation Sword Belt or the Girdle made with golden threads and the Coronation Glove, are among the few royal vestments we will get to see the monarch wearing.
What is a monarch without his crowning jewels though? King Charles' robes are estimated to weigh nearly 6 kilograms and his crown, an additional 2 kilograms worn in glory. As tradition goes, St. Edward's Crown will be placed atop the monarch's head before taking the throne. Made of solid gold, it's adorned with 444 precious stones - including rubies, amethysts, sapphires and other gems - and is fitted with a purple velvet cap and ermine band. The regalia though hold more treasured pieces that go well beyond the crown. The Coronation Sceptre with Cross includes the Cullinan I diamond, the largest colourless diamond in the world. It was commissioned in 1661 to be made is used for every coronation since then. The regalia also includes the Coronation Orb which is made of gold and weighs over a kilogram embellished with diamonds, pearls, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and an amethyst.
But stepping aside from the coronation and one can't help but note that sustainability runs through the lengths and breadths of the royal family. Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton has in many royal and public appearances picked sustainable choice of fashion defying the norms of society that a royal must never repeat their outfits.
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