Robe of State

A monarch typically has a robe made for their coronation and reuses it when attending the State Opening of Parliament at the start of each legislative session.

[1] The Robe of State remains in place during Recognition, Acclamation, the administering of the Coronation Oath and the first part of the service of Communion.

[2] The Robe of State is removed for the Anointing ceremony, during which the monarch wears the plain Colobium sindonis ("shroud tunic") to symbolise they are divesting themselves of worldly vanity.

[5] The Robe of State for the coronation of Queen Victoria was made by John Hunter and cost £643 8s 9d.

[8] The Robe of State of George VI was of crimson velvet, trimmed in ermine and with a border of gold lace.

[7] Elizabeth II's robe was used for the coronation of her daughter-in-law, Camilla, in 2023 after adjustments by Ede & Ravenscroft.

George V wearing his Robe of State at a State Opening of Parliament c.1912.