In just a week’s time we will witness the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey, and this historic event promises to honour centuries old tradition in a more contemporary ceremony reflective of our modern day monarch. Notably, King Charles III has chosen to break with tradition on several key elements within the ceremony to make the occasion more fitting for the times.

Image courtesy of Getty

How King Charles' Coronation will be different from The Queen's

Whilst the procession route and ceremony will be much shorter, and King Charles may choose to arrive in his military uniform instead of the customary silk stockings worn by his predecessors, one significant element that remains unchanged is the Anointing Ceremony Supertunica. Rooted in history and dating all the way back to medieval Coronations, this garment – a floor length, sleeved coat of gold – acts as a reminder of the divine nature of kingship and will be worn by King Charles following the anointing ceremony. Worn before him by his mother Queen Elizabeth II, and before her by her father and grandfather, the Supertunica is made of pure silver and gold, aptly named Cloth of Gold, and proudly woven by Warner & Sons.

Coronation image courtesy of ITV / Rex Features

A royal connection that has stood the test of time

Warner’s proud involvement in Royal Coronations dates to 1902, but it was the 1953 Coronation of our late great Queen Elizabeth II that saw Warner & Sons open their mill doors to the eager public for the first time, with people queuing for hours to see the Royal cloths being woven at such close quarters. Alongside the sacred Cloth of Gold for the Supertunica, velvets, satins and damasks were woven for the Throne and Chair of Estate, 1600 yards of Queensway fabric adorned the Abbey, and silks for the main carriages and Queen Elizabeth II’s overdress were produced. Queensway can be seen adorning the balcony in this poignant image of a four-year-old Prince Charles at his mother's own Coronation 70 years ago.

Image courtesy of Royal Collection Trust
The eager public queue outside Warner & Sons mill for a glimpse at the Royal cloths being woven

Much like King Charles’ intention to bring a modern perspective to this monumental Royal event, when Warner & Sons reopened its doors as Warner House in 2021, it was with a similar steadfast desire to bring its 150 years of British design heritage into the homes of the modern decorator. Proud Royal Warrant holders since 1932, our own twist on traditional reimagines archival designs for modern living through new scales, fresh colourways, and modernised elements, whilst always honouring the narrative of the original design.

As we put up our bunting and get our quiches ready to bake for this great British occasion on May 6th, we look forward to witnessing an event steeped in pageantry and heritage whilst looking ahead to the future and the changing role of our new King, and a new era for the British monarchy.