It was the King’s big day – and he was quite rightly the centre of attention throughout the coronation celebrations.
But while he and Queen Camilla may be the face of the monarchy now, plenty of eyes are on the future of the institution – the Wales family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, plus their children Prince George, nine, Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five, hold the key to the survival of what will be a very much slimmed-down monarchy, say royal experts, and building and maintaining popularity with the public is crucial.
“With the popularity of the monarchy waning among the under-30s, the Wales family has a pivotal role in shoring up support,” says royal writer Rachel Burchfield.
They certainly did their part to win people’s hearts over the coronation weekend, carrying out their roles in the official ceremony with great dignity and decorum. Prince William played a small but vital role in the service, being the first person to swear allegiance to the King in an exchange that clearly left his father moved.
George also had an important role as one of His Majesty’s four pages and was on his best behaviour as he helped to carry his grandfather’s robes. It was George who convinced the King to let the pages wear tunics and trousers, as he wasn’t impressed when he heard they traditionally sport white breeches and tights.
George looks dapper in a uniform,
For both William, 40, and George, it must have been surreal knowing one day they too will sit on St Edward’s Chair and have the crown lowered on to their heads.
“What an experience for them, not only to be witness to this special occasion for their father and grandfather, but to get a glimpse of their own futures,” says royal expert Emily Nash.
They may not have had official roles, but the younger Wales siblings, Charlotte and Louis, still proved to be scene-stealers.
Louis was well-behaved, but realising the two-hour service would be a long time for him to sit still, his parents arranged for him to slip out during proceedings. He returned in time for the National Anthem and to travel in the coronation procession back to Buckingham Palace, where he appeared on the balcony with his family.
The King and Queen’s entourage included Charles’ young pages Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Prince George, Nicholas Barclay and Ralph Tollemache, Camilla’s grandchildren Gus and Louis Lopes, Freddy Parker Bowles and her great-nephew Arthur Elliot, plus Her Majesty’s assistants, sister Annabel Elliot and Queen’s Companion Fiona Mary Petty-Fitzmaurice.
His sister Charlotte looked adorable in a beautiful white Alexander McQueen dress and cape, embroidered with floral motifs, and a silver bullion and crystal floral headpiece. Her outfit replicated the one worn by her mother, the Princess of Wales, who also donned a Royal Victorian Order mantle, or cloak.
big sister Charlotte does an admirable job of looking after Louis.
Kate, as always, was the epitome of elegance, and her calm demeanour and regal bearing showed why, when the time comes, she’ll be an outstanding Queen Consort.
