Fashion at the coronation: what the guests wore
Written by Leah Dolan, CNN
Nicole Mowbray, CNN London
Choosing the “right” outfit for any royal event is paramount, and there can be few moments more historically significant than the coronation of a new monarch.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s classic tailoring heritage
At the coronation of King Charles III. there was a lot of departure from tradition, and this extended to the dress code of the guests. Gone were the demands for attendees to wear large robes or ceremonial attire in favor of a more relaxed, stripped-down look.
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska walks outside Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronation ceremony of Britain’s King Charles in London. Credit: Dylan Martinez/Portal
First Lady Jill Biden wore a periwinkle-blue Ralph Lauren skirt suit with a matching hair bow and was joined by her granddaughter Finnegan Biden in a chic pale yellow cape dress by Markarian, in what could be seen as a fashion nod to show solidarity with Ukraine. Inside the abbey, the two sat next to Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska in an ice blue dress and coat.
Greg Wise and Emma Thompson arrive at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
British actress and Love Actually star Emma Thompson arrived at the ceremony in a monochromatic red rose-printed Emilia Wickstead coat, decorated with her Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal was.
Thompson, who is known for flouting the royal dress code after receiving her MBE award at Buckingham Palace in 2018 in a pair of Stella McCartney for Stan Smith trainers, was seen outside Westminster Abbey in a more opulent type of shoe this morning : Roger Vivier pumps in black satin with crystal heel and buckle.
Katy Perry and Edward Enninful arrive in his and hers baby pink and blue looks. Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Elsewhere, Aussie musician Nick Cave looked chic in a classic three-piece black suit and Gucci horsebit loafers, while Katy Perry (scheduled to headline Sunday’s coronation concert in Windsor) opted for a pink skirt suit and pearl choker by Vivienne Westwood – the late British designer who died in December 2022.
Nick Cave and Rowan Williams were married at the coronation of King Charles III. and Queen Camilla sighted. Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images
Perry was joined by British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, who arrived in a striking ice blue waistcoat and polka dot tie.
In photos: Queen Camilla’s style development
Next came world leaders, politicians and international government officials. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was spotted braving the rain on his way to Westminster Abbey. His wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau cut through the gray weather in a blush satin gown with organza sleeves. Akshata Sunak, wife of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak – who arrived in a classic morning suit – opted for a similarly uplifting cornflower blue ensemble.
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau on their way to the ceremony. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Princess Anne appeared in military uniform with heavy gold braiding to fulfill her role as “golden staff-in-waiting” in charge of the monarch’s personal security. Anne is no stranger to a military uniform, as she is a colonel in several international regiments.
Princess Anne’s militant gaze stood out from the crowd. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Pictured above: First Lady Jill Biden and her granddaughter Finnegan Biden arrive ahead of the coronation ceremony of King Charles III. and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey.
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