Coronation official portraits: Hidden details you missed
Royal fans have spotted some fascinating and previously unseen details in the dazzling new coronation portraits. See the photos.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla have released four historic official portraits as the epic coronation weekend celebrations come to a close.
The royal family shared the official coronation portraits including a group shot of the slimmed-down monarchy, with a special message issued by King Charles.
The new portraits revealed hidden details about the historic event, to the delight of royal fans.
The portraits were taken by Hugo Burnand at Buckingham Palace on Saturday after the lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
His Majesty the King poses with the crown jewels in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room.
Dressed in his regal purple tunic, Robe of Estate, and wearing the Imperial State Crown, King Charles holds the Orb and Sceptre with Cross.
In his statement, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla gave their sincere thanks to all involved.
“As the coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion,” he said.
“We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.
“To those who joined in the celebrations - whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities - we thank you, each and every one.
“To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.”
Another picture shows the 12 working royals of King Charles’ slimmed-down monarchy — minus Prince Harry and Prince Andrew.
Royal fans spotted some understated elements and fascinating hidden details in the traditional portraits.
CATHERINE’S NECKLACE
For the group portrait, Princess Catherine added a necklace that held special meaning for the late Queen Elizabeth to her impressive coronation outfit.
The Princess of Wales could be seen wearing Queen Elizabeth’s George VI Festoon Necklace, which was given to the late Queen by her beloved father, King George VI in 1950.
It features a three-strand diamond design containing 105 loose collet-set diamonds from the royal vault into a necklace, introduced into the crown collection by the late Queen’s grandmother, Queen Mary.
Princess Catherine had been expected to wear the necklace during the Coronation ceremony, but it may have been removed in order not to overwhelm her outfit and headpiece.
Her regal robe came complete with intricate silver embroidery depicting rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs to represent each of the four home nations.
Princess Catherine also wore Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond earrings.
SOPHIE’S HELPING HAND
The Duchess and Duke of Edinburgh can be seen supporting Princess Alexandra, the Honourable Lady Ogilvy as she stands on steps.
Princess Alexandra, 86, is one of the most active and hardworking of the royals.
A cousin of the late Queen, she served as a bridesmaid at Her Majesty’s wedding in 1947.
CAMILLA’S SWEET TRIBUTE
The staggering detail in Queen Camilla’s Bruce Oldfield gown can be seen for the first time in the official portraits.
The gown paid tribute to her two adorable Jack Russells, who were honoured in gold thread.
The names of her children and grandchildren were also visible.
Oldfield incorporated flower garlands and leaves in honour of King Charles since the pair share a love of the great outdoors.
CATHERINE AND SOPHIE’S HONOURS
The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Edinburgh were both spotted wearing a sash to signify their positions as Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order.
The order is represented by a Maltese cross, typically worn near the bottom of the sash.
CHARLES’ NEW ROYAL CYPHER
In his written message accompanying the images, the King signed his words ‘Charles R’.
The ‘R’ stands for ‘rex’, which means ‘King’ in Latin.
King Charles and Queen Camilla joked with Lionel Richie and Katy Perry during a surprise cameo on American Idol following the coronation concert.
Idol judges Richie and Perry appeared on a livestream from Windsor Castle to speak with host
Ryan Seacrest when the royal couple made the surprise appreaance.
‘What a party, it was unbelievable. Now we are trying to figure out what we can do to bring something different to the show,’ Richie said. ‘So, I have a surprise.’
King Charles, wearing a blue suit, and Queen Camilla, wearing a long blue jacket, then walked out and joined them, with a shocked Perry saying: ‘Oh goodness.’
“I just wanted to check how long you will be using this room for,” King Charles said laughing.
“I just wanted to check.”
He added: “Thank you so much for your brilliant performance, it’s a pleasure to have you both here.
“It’s a great treat to have you both here.”
The Queen said of their performance: “Fantastic, absolutely fantastic.”
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