Penny Mordaunt speaks out after 'stealing the show' at King's Coronation

Penny Mordaunt has spoken out after ‘stealing the show’ at King Charles III’s Coronation yesterday (Saturday 6 May).

As with any major event, all eyes were on the outfits yesterday as Charles was officially crowned.

We had Katy Petty looking pretty in pink (even if she struggled to find her seat for a while), Princess Charlotte in a regal white dress and floral headband, and Joe Biden’s granddaughter Finnegan blowing us all away in a gorgeous yellow number.

But the general consensus online seemed to be that no one looked better than Penny Mordaunt, Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Privy Council.

She made history as she became the first woman to carry the sword of state, which symbolises the king’s power in his new role.

PA Images/Alamy Stock Photo

Mordaunt had to carry the 17th century Sword of State, which weighed 3.6kg, for almost an hour, exchanging it for the Jewelled Sword of Offering.

Not only did she remain professional throughout (I think we can all agree the rest of us would have accidentally started giggling), she also stunned in a specially-commissioned teal dress from London label Safiyaa and hat from milliner Jane Taylor – both of which had a gold fern motif embroidered on by atelier Hand & Lock.

After people watching at home saw her in action, many argued she ‘stole the show’.

“So, I think we can all agree that @PennyMordaunt stole the show?" one tweeted.

Someone else said: “I am now a member of the ‘Penny Mordaunt steals the show’ political party.”

Another wrote: “I agree - Penny Mordaunt, the first female Lord President of the Council, steals the show at the Coronation of King Charles III for her stunning teal dress and sword-wielding.”

Associated Press/Alamy Stock Photo

A fourth added: “Just days after the #MetGala (the most prestigious event in all of fashion), Penny Mordaunt steals the show and delivers the most stylish outfit of the year. She is currently Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council.”

Mordaunt herself has now spoken out about her time in the viral spotlight, saying she felt ‘honored’ to be involved but that she had a much ‘easier’ job than others.

She tweeted: “Honoured to be part of the #coronation with thousands of others who played their part.

“I’m very aware that our armed forces, police officers and others have been marching or standing for hours as part of the ceremony or to keep us all safe. In comparison, my job was rather easier.

“Huge and heartfelt thanks to all who made this so remarkable. I’m so proud of you all and the King and Queen today.”

According to the Guardian, the fern motif on her outfit was a nod to the Privy Council, while the teal colour - called 'Poseidon' - of her caped dress and hat was a reference to her Portsmouth constituency.