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

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 wear a cruelty-free alternative to ermine, the white fur traditionally worn by British monarchs at coronations. 
• His Majesty, who will be crowned with the Queen Consort on May 6, is reportedly planning a 'slimmed down' coronation that reflects the climate of today's culture. 
• In other royal news, Sarah Ferguson reveals touching 'presents' at Royal Lodge on 63rd birthday.
  

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. 

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. 

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.