King Charles’ Coronation, what his Wardrobe means?

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#UnitedKingdom, May 5, 2023 – Come this Saturday at 6 am residents in the Turks and Caicos will be able to tune into an historic event, the first British coronation in 71 years. The 90-minute ceremony will bring out items that have not been seen in seven decades for another showing, including the jewelled sword, spurs and more.

After arriving in Westminster Abbey in the company of 7,000 international soldiers including 12 from the Turks and Caicos, following the processions of religious leaders and the choir, the King and the Queen Consort will enter the chapel.

As the ceremony progresses, viewers and attendees can look forward to songs, prayers, the traditional recognition, the oath of service from the king and more before Charles is anointed in a traditional coronation chair.

Following this he will be presented with several items:

The Regalia: Gifts from peers of different faith including Christians.

The Spurs: Horse Spurs made in 1661 for King Charles II. The original symbolism of the Spurs dates from an era when the Monarch would have ridden at the head of an army. Today the crown says it represents advocacy for those in need, whether that be in the area of defense of the realm or in practical service for the most vulnerable.

The Sword: A sword made in 1820, it has a steel blade, mounted in gold and set with jewels, which form a rose, a thistle, a shamrock, oak leaves, acorns, and lion’s heads. It represents defense and advocacy as an ancient symbol of authority and justice being served quickly and mercifully.

The Armills: Called the Bracelets of Sincerity and Wisdom they are a bond, uniting the Sovereign to the People.

The Robe and Stole Royal: The Robe, or Mantle, and Stole Royal represent what The King, as Sovereign, has been given by God.

The Orb: The Orb is a representation of the Sovereign’s power and symbolises the world under the cross of Christ. The seventeenth-century item is divided into three sections with bands of jewels, for each of the three continents thought to exist then.

The Ring: The ring signifies covenant and agreement, it ‘marries’ The King to God in duty, and to the People in loving service.

The Glove: The Glove is a reminder of power and a symbol to advocate and challenge for the protection and honour of the People.

The Rod and Sceptre: Of the two, the Sceptre with the Cross represents power and authority and is associated with good governance.  The Sceptre with the Dove, ‘the Rod of Equity and Mercy’, represents the Sovereign’s spiritual role.

It is only after the presentation of all these items that, King Charles will be crowned with the crown of St. Edward, made for his predecessor Charles II.

Camilla will then be crowned and the ceremony ended.