From Past to Present: A Visual Comparison Of Charles III’s And Elizabeth II’s Coronations

The Significance Of The Sovereign’s Orb

The Sovereign’s Orb is a key piece of the Crown Jewels. Its value is immeasurable, and it’s a significant piece of tradition and history. The Sovereign’s Orb was made in 1661 and is covered in pearls and precious gems. You can see the look of concentration and reverence on the faces of Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III in their respective photos. Holding the Sovereign’s Orb would be a defining moment during their coronations, and one for which each reigning monarch gave the proper reverence.

The Coronation Regalia

Here is something that hasn’t changed over the past seventy years. The Coronation Regalia are unique objects meant to represent the powers and responsibilities of the monarch. They are a symbol of everything the reigning monarch is entrusted with in their newfound position, and these objects deserve the highest level of respect. The same objects were used in both Queen Elizabeth II’s and King Charles III’s coronation ceremonies. However, they were placed in different areas during the ceremonies.

The Procession In 1953

This photo captures a glimpse of the procession as Queen Elizabeth II’s coach passes down the Mall. There is an enormous crowd of onlookers watching her procession as she’s escorted through the street. It’s ironic that her ride took place on a rainy day since the exact same thing happened seventy years later during King Charles III’s ride down the Mall!

The Procession In 2023

King Charles III rode in the Diamon Jubilee State Coach down the Mall during his coronation. He was accompanied by the Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry as a sea of people stood to witness this historic occasion. The King’s coronation was so popular that people were turned away from the Mall because crowds had grown too large. It was an amazing outpouring of support for the new reigning monarch.

The Coronation Outfit In 1953

Coronations of new monarchs are often high-profile events, and those involved want to dress their best. Queen Elizabeth II wore a beautiful gown during her coronation that almost looked like a wedding dress. This photo captured the Queen as she left Buckingham Palace dressed in a white silk gown. The gown was decorated with flowers to represent parts of the Commonwealth. Her outfit also included a long, velvet train, which required multiple people to carry it. Obviously, King Charles III didn’t wear a gown at his coronation, but his outfit did have a similar feel.

The Coronation Outfit In 2023

While King Charles III didn’t wear a gown similar to his late mother, he did wear a train that was very similar! It wasn’t the same train, but it was still a large, velvet, impression train that required several people to carry it. The four Pages of Honor, including Charles’ grandson, George, and Camilla’s three grandsons, carried the train down the aisle during the ceremony. It was a historic moment that aptly showed the tight bond of the royal family.

The Royal Portraits In 1953 And 2023

The royal portrait is an important moment during the coronation ceremony. In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip, had their portrait shot from a distance. The pair wear serious, stoic expressions typical of such formal occasions. However, the portrait taken in 2023 is very different. For this portrait, King Charles III and Queen Camilla enjoyed a closer shot. They’re also both smiling in the photo, appearing far more relaxed and casual than the previous portrait.

Extended Family Portrait In 1953

It’s tradition to take a photo with the extended members of the royal family and other important figures after the coronation ceremony. After her coronation in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II had this portrait taken with members of the immediate and extended Royal Family. Many foreign dignitaries were included in this picture, as well as other notable people like Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Margret Rose, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Extended Family Portrait In 2023

King Charles III took a more relaxed approach to his extended portrait in 2023. You can see the group photographed with him is significantly smaller. Following from left to right, alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla, are members of the working royal family. They are Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Vice Admiral Sir Time Laurence, Anne, Princess Royal, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, The Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy, and Prince Edward.

The Imperial State Crown

Seventy years may have passed since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, but the Imperial State Crown appears amazingly untouched. These side-by-side photos show Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III wearing the Imperial State Crown during their coronations, and it’s stunning to see how well they both wear it! There have been many versions of this crown throughout history, but the current version was created in 1937. There were rumors that Queen Elizabeth II was nervous about wearing the crown during her ceremony, so she practiced while walking around and drinking her morning tea beforehand. Perhaps King Charles III did the same? Either way, they both look impressive and regal in their photos!

The Congregation In Westminster Abbey

We already discussed the massive difference in attendance at Queen Elizabeth II’s and King Charles III’s coronations, but when you view these photos side-by-side, you can’t even really tell! These photos show the congregation in Westminster Abbey during the coronations in 1953 and 2023. During Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, more seating was built into the Abbey to accommodate her vast guest list. No extra seating was required for King Charles III’s coronation!

A Formal Affair In 1953

When you compare this photo with the next, you’ll easily be able to see what we’ve been saying, which is that the coronation in 1953 was a much more formal affair compared to the one in 2023. In this photo, you can see the royals standing on the balcony, waving to the crowd. But their body language is a bit stiff, and their expressions solemn. They’re taking the formalities of the event very seriously, and almost appear unapproachable, as royals typically have throughout history.

A More Relaxed Affair

Look at the difference in this photo! King Charles III and Queen Camilla are smiling, staring adoringly into each other’s eyes, and holding hands. Not only do they look far more approachable than the Royal couple in the previous picture, but they also appear far more relaxed. Perhaps this is a cultural difference that’s emerged over the past seventy years, but it’s a startling contrast from the way it was during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

The Queen’s Gown In 1953 And 2023

The gowns worn by Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Camilla are startlingly similar. Of course, it’s tradition for a Queen to wear a regal white gown during a coronation ceremony, but the similarities between these two gowns go beyond their color scheme. The embroidery on each dress looks pretty similar, and we have to wonder if this was an intentional nod to Queen Elizabeth II by Queen Camilla. Both women look stunning in their gowns!

The Wave Of Pride

After receiving the crown jewels and the Imperial Crown, it’s tradition for the new reigning monarch to turn and wave to the crowd. You can easily see the looks of pride and joy on Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III’s faces in these photographs. It’s interesting to think about the fact that King Charles III may have been waving to the descendants of those who attended Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation ceremony. The circle of life and coronation ceremonies continues!

The Traditional Flypast

After the coronation ceremony, it’s tradition to do a flypast. These side-by-side photos showing the flypast during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and King Charles III’s coronation in 2023 are fascinating! The flying pattern appears to be slightly different, and it’s hard to say whether they left behind a colorful array during Queen Elizabeth’s coronation like they did during King Charles III’s. Either way, it’s a significant moment at the end of the ceremony that onlookers and royals enjoy watching.

Young Royals Enjoying The Flypast

If there’s one thing that doesn’t change over the span of seven decades, it’s young children being enamored with aircraft! You can’t help but smile looking at these side-by-side pictures of young royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III’s coronations. In each picture, there is a young royal pointing up at the sky in wonderment. It’s nice to see the next generation enjoying the traditions of their family and country!

The Coronation Site

Can you believe these photos show the exact same building set seventy years apart? These photos show Westminster Abbey, the site of Queen Elizabeth II’s and King Charles III’s coronations. Actually, Westminster Abbey has been the site of nearly every British monarch’s coronation since 1066. It’s pretty unbelievable to think about the massive historical significance this single building holds. We wonder how many more Kings and Queens will be coronated in this impressive building.

Leaving The Abbey

After the coronation ceremony, Queen Elizabeth II was photographed leaving the Abbey. Her six Maids of Honor followed her, carrying her train, and the moment captured is strikingly similar to the photo on the right. As King Charles III left the Abbey, he was also followed by those carrying his train. Instead of Maids of Honor, he had Pages of Honor, but the moment still feels very similar.

The Admiralty Arch

After their respective coronations, Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III both took a procession back to the Palace. Queen Elizabeth II’s procession followed a much longer route than King Charles III’s, but they both passed under the Admiralty Arch. These photos show a fun glimpse into the differences from 1953 to 2023. Namely, the arch has undergone some serious updating and construction! But it’s still an important moment in the procession that onlookers were able to experience.

Behind The Scenes Of Each Coronation

The coronation of a new monarch is an extensive event that requires a significant amount of preparation. After all, it’s important to have every inch of Westminster Abbey and the Palace picture-perfect for the occasion. These rare photos show the staff working to get everything in tip-top shape for the historical events. While the tools used to clean up have changed over the past seven decades, the dedication of the staff to give their monarchs a perfectly clean environment.