Robe of State (UK)

Queen Elizabeth II's Robe of State, being prepared for display at Buckingham Palace, 2010. Queen Elizabeth II's Robe of State, being prepared for display at Buckingham Palace, 2010.

The Robe of State, also known as Parliament Robe, is a long mantle worn by the British monarch when he/she enters Westminster Abbey for the coronation, and at the annual State Opening of Parliament. The garment, as worn by Elizabeth II, consists of an ermine cape with a long crimson velvet train (about 4.5 m in length), also lined with ermine. The train's top is decorated with two rows of gold lace and gold filigree work.

The Robe of State should not be confused with the Robe of Estate, which is a purple velvet mantle worn by the monarch as he/she comes out of the Abbey after the coronation.

See also the TRC Needles entry on the British coronation garments.

Sources:

Digital source of illustration (retrieved 26th June 2016).

GVE

Last modified on Wednesday, 24 May 2017 11:00
Published in Secular ceremonies and rituals
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