King Charles III is about to open Parliament for the first time in his reign and he’ll have a very special link to his beloved grandfather, the UK’s last king before him, as he does it. For Charles III is set to wear the Robe of State that first belonged to George VI for the event.

His Majesty chose to use the Robe of State and Robe of Estate belonging to his grandfather at his Coronation. The Robe of State used for the crowning of a Monarch is always used by them after that for the State Opening of Parliament.

The decision of Charles III to wear George VI’s is a nod to his beloved grandfather – The King was extremely close to his grandparents. It is also in keeping with Charles III’s desire to make his reign as sustainable as possible.

The Robe of State is worn by the Monarch as they arrive at Westminster Abbey for the Coronation. The Robe of Estate is assumed at the end of the ceremony and is worn for the final procession and the departure from the Abbey. It is also the robe that The King wears in official portraits and photographs of the Coronation.

King George VI’s Robe of State was made of crimson velvet, decorated with gold lace and trimmed with ermine, as is usual. The velvet was conserved by the Royal School of Needlework ahead of the Coronation of King Charles while the ermine and lace was treated and cared for by Ede and Ravenscroft.

The Robe of Estate that now unites grandfather and grandson is made of purple silk velvet and trimmed with ermine. Ede and Ravenscroft, who have made robes for every Coronation since 1689, conserved this historic garment in preparation for the Coronation of Charles III.

The Robe of State is also known as the Parliament Robe because it is worn on other occasions including the State Opening of Parliament. The Robe of Estate is also called the Imperial Robe, a nod to its colour purple, the shade of emperors.

The first State Opening of Parliament of the reign of King Charles III takes place on November 7th 2023.