Royal Splendor: Kate Middleton & Charlotte Sparkle At King Charles's Coronation
Princess Kate Middleton sparkled at King Charles III's coronation at Westminster Abbe wearing a glittering silver laurel headpiece. The impressive jewel looks a lot like a tiara—but it isn't.
Kensington Palace confirmed that the Princess of Wales did not wear a tiara to the event. Her head topper instead, a Jess Collet x Alexander McQueen creation, consisted of a regal arrangement of shimmering silver bullion, crystal, and silver thread leaf embroidery that formed a point above her head, according to Haper's Bazaar.
Kate Middleton literally stunned in a flamboyant outfit, in the colors of the British flag. She wore a royal formal robe and mantel, at the request of King Charles and Queen Camilla, and a dress in ivory silk crepe with silver bullion and threadwork embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock motifs to reflect the emblems of the UK. These emblems signify the four nations, England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.
These motifs also appeared on Princes Charlotte's (Kate's daughter) dress in ivory satin stitch embroidery.
Kate Middleton's dress was designed by Alexander McQueen, who also designed her wedding dress in 2011.
The princess accessorized her outfit with pearl and diamond earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana and opted for understated makeup that accentuated her features.
The princess’ earrings were a tribute to William’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, with the pearl and diamond pieces belonging to Diana, Princess of Wales. Diana started wearing the earrings before she became the Princess of Wales, as a gift from Collingwood, a jewelry firm that was a favorite of the Spencer family. The princess did not part with them during her marriage to Charles.
Kate Middleton also wore Queen Elizabeth II’s George VI Festoon Necklace, which George VI commissioned for his daughter Princess Elizabeth in 1950.
The fabulous three-strand necklace - a favorite of the late queen - was made using 105 loose collet-set diamonds.
Kate's coronation outfit deeply reflected tradition and respect for the new King and Queen.
Unlike her husband, William, who seemed a bit more overwhelmed by the event's grandeur, Kate Middleton smiled the whole time.
Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte Matched Their Outfits Perfectly AT The Coronation
Princess Charlotte was applauded for her elegant style. The young royal was the double of her mum, with a similar crystal headpiece by the same milliner. Her headpiece was crafted in silver bullion, crystal, and silver threadwork. Her brunette tresses were styled in soft curls, worn in a half-up, half-down style beneath her glittering accessory.
The eight-year-old princess also wore an Alexander McQueen dress – with a cape – in ivory silk crepe.
Royal style expert Miranda Holder told HELLO! magazine that the lack of dazzling tiaras on senior royals at the coronation was "a significant step down for the royals, though it is a sign of the times."
Miranda explained: "It is clear King Charles is extremely serious about shaping a new, streamlined monarchy that fits more succinctly in with today's ever-changing world."
It is also to be mentioned that the coronation gave tribute to the oldest English workshops. Charles' coronation tunic, for example, was made by Ede and Ravenscroft, known as London's oldest tailor, for over 330 years. This workshop has made garments for every British coronation since that of King William and Queen Mary in 1689, according to Buckingham Palace.
Photo Credit: Screenshot via Royal Insider News
