King Charles Bans Coronation Robes for Peerage - A Break in 500-Year-Old Tradition
It is with great sadness that I must report a significant departure from tradition in the upcoming coronation of King Charles. In a shocking move, the coronation robes for the peerage have been banned. For over 500 years, these robes have denoted rank within the peerage system, marking an essential aspect of British coronations. In 1953, there were cries to eliminate coronation robes but the Earl Marshal demanded they be worn. Peers were able to rent a robe for 88 pounds from Moss Bros. or create their own using a Norman Hartnell sewing pattern. Everyone successfully made it to the coronation wearing their robes.
The reasoning behind this break from tradition is cited as the current financial and economic state of Britain. Peers are being asked to attend the coronation in business attire instead.
What are your thoughts on this decision? How do you feel about this historic tradition being altered in response to the nation's economic situation? Let's discuss and share our opinions on this surprising change.
When I stop to think about where a great deal of the wealth that supports the sort of decadence of the coronation comes from I have a hard time feeling at all sad that it's being set aside. These traditions were born and fueled by destructive hunger to take, to rule over as much as could be taken. That history is told in many of the jewels in the crowns that are going to be worn, even with the most controversial not making an appearance. These ceremonies are meant to denote the right of this family to rule, to raise themselves above others. Think of how many children could be fed for a month with the cost of the robes that are being done away with. Even this paired back ceremony is still a huge expenditure at a time when the UK will not even pay their medical staff enough to keep them from striking.
I understand that people are disappointed in the fact that we are not getting the same spectacle. My favorite eras of fashion are all Victorian and back, so I would have loved to see a bunch of folks dressed up in what might look like historic costume. I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to look at lovely things. I watch period dramas in large part to admire the clothes. I just don't think that these traditions are the sort of thing anyone with British Heritage, myself included, should be overly proud of or attached to.
I will be deeply interested in being able to compare and contrast this coronation to those of the past. This is a landmark moment in history. I'm deeply interested in what Charles' desire to be more 'ecumenical' will mean when it comes to the oath he will swear as the head of the Church of England. In short, bring on the changes!