Special meaning behind King Charles' single white leather glove at coronation

If you are wondering why King Charles III is only wearing one white leather glove at his coronation today, don’t worry – you’re not the only one!

The long-awaited ceremony today is steeped in history and tradition as Charles III is officially crowned the King.

BBC

Apart from his incredibly heavy robe – called the Supertunica – and the crown, of course, one of the most recognisable garments is the King’s single white glove.

It is tradition for recent monarchs to re-wear garments from their predecessors and King Charles is doing just that.

To make this tradition even more sustainable, the King has decided to reuse the glove worn by his grandfather George VI, the last male monarch.

That’s what you call a sustainable King!

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

The single coronation glove, which is also known as the Coronation Gauntlet, is worn on the King’s right hand while he holds the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross during the crowning.

The glove is made of white leather while the large cuff is embroidered in the form national emblems. This includes the Tudor rose, thistle, shamrock, oak leaves and acorns.

Meanwhile, the back of the hand is decorated with an embroidered ducal coronet above the coat of arms of the family of the Dukes of Newcastle

The glove is usually stored in the Tower of London and forms part of the Coronation regalia, including the sword belt King Charles is wearing today, which was also worn by his grandfather George VI.

Caroline de Guitaut, deputy surveyor of the King’s Works of Art at the Royal Collection Trust said it was the King’s ‘personal decision’ to reuse garments/

“And it's in keeping with this idea of sustainability and efficiency to reuse these pieces,” she told the BBC.

PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

The sword belt from 1937 is made from embroidered cloth of gold and has a gold buckle emblazoned with national emblems.

Also known as the Coronation Girdle, it was placed around the King’s waist during the investiture. It has a gold clip used for attached the jewelled Sword of Offering which symbolises the ability to decide between good and evil.

King Charles arrived at Westminster Abbey in George VI’s crimson red Robe of State which was removed for his anointing.

As we now know, the coronation has been filled with a variety of garment changes. At the end of the service, the King will change into George VI’s purple Robe of Estate and make his exit out of Westminster Abbey.

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