King Charles’ coronation is days away and preparations for the ceremony revolve around the monarch’s love of the environment.
Before winning his seat on the British throne, the former Prince of Wales was credited with advocating an end to sustainability issues. While heir apparent, the 74-year-old raised awareness about climate change and other environmental issues.
The philanthropist has actively supported humanitarian and nature-based projects through his foundation, The Prince’s Charities. Proving once again his commitment to the green cause, the king reuses historical objects on his big day instead of making new clothes.
Blast From The Past – King Charles will wear the coronation clothes used by his predecessors
When the world tunes in to watch the highly anticipated May 6 ceremony, viewers, especially those familiar with the royal family, will take a trip down memory lane.
The monarch, who would be officially crowned in the coronation chair, will kill two birds with one stone in the upcoming event. According to reports, the king will pay homage to his royal predecessors by reusing old clothes while incorporating his love for sustainability.
Some clothing from coronation ceremonies dating back to 1821 was last worn by the 74-year-old’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II. The late monarch donned the historic robes during her coronation in 1953.
As well as wearing the robes of the former head of the Commonwealth, King Charles will adorn himself with other garments of his predecessors. Addressing the king’s choice in a statement, Buckingham Palace revealed:
“While it is customary for the Supertunica and Imperial Mantle to be reused, Her Majesty will also reuse the Colobium Sindonis, Coronation Sword Sash and Coronation Glove worn by her Grandfather King George VI in interest in durability and efficiency.”
The palace statement continued: “Her Majesty will reuse vestments which featured in the coronation services of King George IV in 1821, King George V in 1911, King George VI in 1937 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.”
Historical pieces may be decades old, but their importance has not diminished. For example, the Colobium Sindonis is crucial for the coronation ceremony. The white tunic, symbolizing the “purity before God,” would be used at the most sacred part of the coronation – the anointing.
The Colobium Sindonis is to be covered by the full-length gold-embroidered Supertunica, over which the Imperial Mantle and Royal Stole would be placed on top. After the coronation ceremony, Charles will wear the robe of state as he enters Westminster Abbey.
These royal relics aren’t the only relics to make a big appearance at the 74-year-old’s coronation, with Pope Francis also adding a sacred touch at the upcoming event. The ruler of Vatican City State blessed the king with a sacred gift in honor of his ascension.
The head of the Catholic Church is said to have distributed two splinters of wood taken from the “true cross”. The term is used to describe the original cross on which Jesus was crucified centuries ago.
This most sacred gift was described as the “personal coronation gift” from the Bishop of Rome to the King, and the shards were added to the center of the Cross of Wales. This sacred object will be used to lead the coronation procession at Westminster Abbey in London.
Lionel Richie promised to give fans the best performance at the King’s coronation concert
Last month the headliners for King Charles’ Coronation Concert were unveiled and legendary singer Lionel Richie was one of the big names. The ten-time AMA winner will perform at the May 7 event, a day the entertainer promised fans would never forget.
While attending the Breakthrough Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, the R&B icon looked forward to her participation in the upcoming ceremony. “You don’t walk into the business and say, ‘You know what? I will be at the king’s coronation. It never happens,” the four-time Grammy winner said.
Sharing his gratitude to be part of the King’s big day, the Tuskegee native said: “[It’s] A, a surprise. B, what an honor. And C, because of all the names he might have had for it, he called my name.
The “All Night Long” artist claimed the concert would be a spectacular experience, promising that his performance would beat the likes of other music legends. In the words of the Oscar winner:
“I want to see the pomp and circumstance because I don’t care what you think Michael Jackson did. I don’t care what you think Prince did. I don’t care what you think Madonna did. Nothing will be like this.It’s glorious to superb here.