Some obviously are but then again, what of it? They have been seen in very recent times moreover long since 1953, referring there to peers in regalia at the state opening of parliament. No one bats an eyelash if the ermine is fake. My point being, that any of that whether solid gold/real ermine or just gilded metal, the purpose is purely a symbolic one and probably more symbolic at an occasion such as a coronation. The outward style of the coronet signifies the rank of the peer, the gesture of wearing it and placing it on the head at the moment of the monarch's crowning is an acknowledgement of a new reign, in a gesture that represents tradition and continuity.
Well not an assumption really but rather first hand observation as I have seen some of those Ducal 'regalia' / coronets up close and it was thinly gilded and paste. This was also acknowledged by at least two of Their Graces.... The theatrical props that worked for television in 1953 won't work in 2023.
The authenticity of their regalia is your own assumption. What participating peers wore in 1953 was good enough for the then Queen, and what the 20 peers will wear in May will also be good enough for the new King. Which is all that matters.
And all those peers would have to be wearing a cheap gilded coronet and fluffed up (fake) ermine lined robe? Dear Lord.
I agree in a general way with that - time will tell all the specifics soon enough. Still, I can't help but speculate, and assuming that drastically reduced number of "just 20" is even true, how the planners will deal with that category of the peerage who are somehow distantly royal related? Referring there, of course, to the several ducal descendants of the previous Charles (II) - St. Albans, Richmond, etc.; and to the descendant of the illegitimate son of William IV, being the Earl of Munster; or more recently to the various collateral descendants of Victoria - Mountbatten, Milford Haven, and perhaps others I'm omitting here? And bearing in mind, of course, that most of all of these have participated in earlier coronations surely? Will they be relegated to the 2,000 plus in the Abbey congregation in May? Or will there be no room for them even there? One wonders...
Like Brent, I'm waiting for the offical announcements and ignoring all the speculation the press and media are throwing up.
238
Message Thread
« Back to index