Why King Charles may abandon traditional ermine robe as part of 'slimmed down' coronation

King Charles III could replace the ermine robe historically worn at British coronations with a less controversial alternative

Why King Charles may reject ermine robe as part of 'slimmed down' coronation
(Image credit: Getty)

King Charles III may wear faux fur instead of the Royal Family's signature ermine robes at his 'slimmed down' coronation in May, according to royal insiders. 


King Charles III could abandon a longstanding royal tradition at his coronation next summer, as part of the 73-year-old's wishes that the British monarchy reflects the changing times. 

Buckingham Palace confirmed last week that His Majesty and Camilla, Queen Consort will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, eight months after the death of Queen Elizabeth

The update put an end to widespread reports that the King's coronation would take place on June 3, the one-year anniversary of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 

There has been much speculation about the enthroning ceremony for the regal couple, with Camilla's potential crown in light of the Koh-i-Noor diamond controversy at the forefront of royal fans' minds following news of the confirmed date. 

It's understood that the King wishes for the service to be shorter and cheaper than Queen Elizabeth's 1953 coronation, which lasted three hours and cost the equivalent of £46m in today's money. He has even considered cutting costs in his own 'slimmed down' coronation by going 'low-carbon', which would reportedly involve telling Commonwealth leaders not to fly into London for the event. 

Queen

(Image credit: Getty)

Earlier this week, it was revealed that His Majesty also plans to 'trim' down the number of costume changes in a traditional British coronation. 

It has now been suggested by the Telegraph that he may choose not to wear ermine at the event, over concerns that its usage would draw criticism from the public. 

Queen

Prince Charles wearing ermine at his Investiture ceremony in 1969

(Image credit: Getty)

The white fur of the short-tailed weasel has been embraced by both British and European royals throughout history, with many monarchs believing it to symbolize power and purity. It also famously lined the Imperial State crown, which was used to crown Queen Elizabeth at her coronation over 70 years ago, along with the Robe of State she wore as she entered Westminster Abbey for her iconic anointment. Prince Charles also wore ermine for his Investiture ceremony as the Prince of Wales in 1969, along with a gold ring, rod, and sword. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.