Fashion at the Coronation: What the guests wore

Choosing the ‘right’ outfit to wear to any royal event is of utmost importance, and there can be few moments more historically significant than the coronation of a new monarch.

Much has been made of the departures from tradition for the coronation of King Charles III and this extended to the guest’s dress codes. Gone were the requests for attendees to wear grand robes or ceremonial attire in favor of a more relaxed, pared down look.

Members of the royal family, however, arrived in traditional regalia. The Prince of Wales wore a ceremonial dress uniform of the Welsh guards, while the Princess of Wales looked resplendent in official robes — worn over an Alexander McQueen ivory silk crepe dress peppered with silver bullion embroidered roses, thistles, daffodils and shamrock motifs symbolizing the different nations of the United Kingdom.

Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and their children Princess Charlottte and Prince Louis arrive at the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Credit: Toby Melville/WPA Pool/Getty Images

According to CNN royal experts Max Foster and Lauren Moorhouse, Kate was also wearing a pair of drop-pearl earrings set in diamonds, once belonging to Princess Diana, as well as a lavish silver bullion laurel-shaped headpiece by Jess Collett and Alexander McQueen.

The esteemed British designer is a fan favorite of the Wales’. Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen since 2010, custom created Kate’s striking wedding dress in 2011. At the coronation this morning, Princess Charlotte was similarly sporting McQueen — matching her mother in a white silk crepe look and identical satin floral embroidery, as well as a similar silver headpiece.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla, Queen Consort attend their coronations at Westminster Abbey. Credit: Yui Mok/Pool/AFP/Getty Images

The Queen Consort’s outfit had a nod to tradition while incorporating more modern and personal touches. Upon arriving at the Abbey, Camilla wore a crimson velvet and ermine Robe of State. Underneath, her ivory, silver and gold embroidered coronation dress was by British designer Bruce Oldfield.

Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska walks outside Westminster Abbey ahead of Britain’s King Charles’ coronation ceremony, in London. Credit: Dylan Martinez/Reuters

First Lady Jill Biden wore periwinkle blue Ralph Lauren skirt suit accessorized with a coordinating hair bow and was accompanied by her granddaughter Finnegan Biden in a chic pale yellow cape dress by Markarian, in what could be seen as a sartorial nod to show solidarity with Ukraine. Inside the Abbey, the pair were seated next to Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska in an icy blue dress and coat pairing.

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 actor and “Love Actually” star Emma Thompson arrived at the ceremony in a monochrome red rose-printed overcoat from Emilia Wickstead, accessorized with her Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal.

Katy Perry and Edward Enninful arrive in his-and-hers baby pink and blue looks. Credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Nick Cave and Rowan Williams spotted at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Perry was accompanied by British Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful, who arrived in a statement icy blue waistcoat and polka dot tie.

Next to arrive were world leaders, politicians, and international members of government. Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau was spotted braving the rain on his way to Westminster Abbey. His wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau cut through the gray weather with a blush-toned satin dress complete 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 seen on their way to the ceremony. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Princess Anne appeared in military uniform heavy with gold braid to perform her role as “Gold Stick in Waiting” responsible for the monarch’s personal safety. No stranger to a military uniform, Anne is colonel of several international regiments.

Princess Anne’s militant look stood out from the rest of the crowd of attendees. Credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Top image: The Princess of Wales arriving at the coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey, London.