The Royal Family Gives First Glimpse at the Robes to Be Worn by the King and Queen Consort on Coronation Day

The countdown continues to May 6, when we will finally see the coronation of King Charles III, 74, and Camilla Parker Bowles, 75. But until that day arrives, we've been getting a few tidbits from Buckingham Palace to tide us over, and today, we got our first glimpse at the robes that these two will be wearing for the major event.

In a new series of photos posted to the official royal family Instagram account, we see needleworkers hard at work on the royal regalia. The caption read, “A first glimpse before Coronation day…”

The up-close photos highlight the elaborate detailing on the cloaks, and we get glimpses of the king and queen consort's Robes of State and Robes of Estate.

In case you didn't know, it is customary for a monarch to wear a Robe of State upon their arrival to Westminster Abbey, but then they will change into a Robe of Estate to wear after the coronation, according to Buckingham Palace.

As noted on the royal family Instagram Story, the Robe of State was previously worn by King George VI (AKA Queen Elizabeth II's father) at his coronation in 1937. King Charles's Robe of Estate, which is made of purple silk velvet, was also worn by King George VI in 1937.

To preserve the garments, the Royal School of Needlework and the tailoring company Ede & Ravenscroft have been conserving the velvet, lining and gold lace.

Meanwhile, Queen Consort Camilla will be wearing a crimson Robe of State that was originally crafted for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Following the ceremony, she will wear a Robe of Estate that is purple (to match King Charles), and it has been embroidered with golden insects and plants, which all have different meanings for the queen consort. Per the Palace, these choices are “drawing on the themes of nature and the environment and reflecting Their Majesties’ affection for the natural world.”

We can't wait to see these gorgeous creations in full on coronation day.

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