In the recently released official coronation portraits of King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales’ attire has undergone a subtle change that has royal fans perplexed.
Hugo Burnand, the official royal photographer, captured the fourth magnificent picture at Buckingham Palace, which shows Princess Catherine and Prince William posing with the newly crowned monarch in the Throne Room. The 41-year-old royal beauty is pictured donning a custom Alexander McQueen gown and a sparkling Jess Collett headpiece, but she has taken off her Royal Victorian Order sash to reveal her stunning coronation gown in its entirety for the first time.
Photo: Hugo Burnand/ Royal Household 2023/ PA Wire
A modest neckline and silver bullion and threadwork embroidery with rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock motifs to represent the four nations of the UK were features of Catherine’s ivory silk crepe-made outfit.
A closer look reveals that the new image’s neckline is entirely different from the coronation dress’s high neck, replacing it with a more glitzy, subdued V cut.
The change has left Royal fans perplexed, and they have taken to Twitter to discuss the differences. Like her daughter Princess Charlotte, Princess Catherine is thought to have been wearing a cape, which she took off for the post-coronation photos.
One fan speculated, “Maybe a cape like Charlotte’s?,” while another asked, “I wonder if it was an outer coat or shoulder cape like Princess Charlotte wore?”
Others believed the dress to be entirely different and suggested Alexander McQueen had created two gowns especially for the event.
The V neck may have been rejected for the church ceremony. Thus, two distinct but related dresses,” added another.
Whether she was making understated public appearances at Big Lunches or putting on a regal display at official coronation events, Princess Catherine gave a complete sartorial masterclass over the weekend.
Photo: Getty Images
The stylish scarlet suit she wore for King Charles’ coronation concert, accessorized with stunning Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry, is our favorite less overt look.
But what really won over the nation was her coronation-day attire.
As she entered Westminster Abbey with Prince William, Catherine was stunning in a royal Victorian order mantle with a scarlet edge. The late Queen awarded the princess Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) in 2019.
Photo: Getty Images
The addition of the late Queen’s stunning George VI Festoon Necklace, which has three strands of sizable diamonds, made the profoundly meaningful ensemble even more poignant. The Princess completed the tribute by adding Princess Diana’s pearl and diamond earring set and Gianvito Rossi silk pumps.
Catherine completed her ensemble with a custom headpiece designed by Jess Collett, a milliner, and Alexander McQueen. Embroidered with rose, thistle, daffodil, and shamrock motifs in ivory satin stitch, Princess Charlotte matched her mother beautifully in a custom Alexander McQueen outfit as well.
