After the coronation of King Charles III. and his wife Camilla, Buckingham Palace has released a series of behind-the-scenes photos of the grand celebrations. The pictures show the couple inside Buckingham Palace. Charles and Camilla wear the crowns and coronation robes they left Westminster Abbey in after the ceremony. In one motif, the couple smiles at the camera, with some of the page honourers in the background. Additional footage shows Charles and Camilla from behind, standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Both are watching the air show and waving to the people who have gathered on the streets.
A portrait is dedicated to Camilla and her coronation gown, by British couturier Bruce Oldfield. The fact that the 72-year-old was one of Princess Diana’s favorite designers caused some discord in advance. In fact, Oldfield has worked with Camilla for many years and has designed numerous gowns for her. But tailoring a dress for the coronation was something special for him too. “This is the biggest assignment of my life – sometimes I have to pinch myself,” he told the BBC.
He created an ivory silk robe incorporating fine gold and silver embroidery. The floral motifs are intended to symbolize Camilla’s connection to nature. Four particular ones represent the British nations: the English rose, the Scottish thistle, the Welsh daffodil and the Northern Irish shamrock.
The private details of Camilla’s coronation dress only reveal themselves on closer inspection: she had the names of her two children and five grandchildren embroidered. The words Laura and Tom can be seen above the monogram, which are the names of Camilla’s daughter and her son. Above that is Freddy’s name, with Lola and Gus below – their grandchildren’s names. The names of her other two grandsons – Eliza and Louis – are apparently obscured by the fabric.
The two golden dogs on the hem, on the other hand, cannot be overlooked. They are meant to represent Camilla’s Jack Russell Terriers, Beth and Bluebell. The 75-year-old brought the two four-legged friends from an animal shelter in early 2017. Both had to be painstakingly nurtured again after they had been abandoned. One of the dogs was found tied to a post and the other was found wandering the woods in a state of disrepair. Charles and Camilla gave the animals a new home. Queen Elizabeth II was completely infatuated with her corgis, and now Camilla brings her along with King Charles III. Jack Russel Terrier at Buckingham Palace.
What: BBC
