As Queen Camilla prepares to be crowned alongside her husband, King Charles III, the world eagerly anticipates the reveal of her coronation gown. Caroline Young, a fashion writer, predicts that the dress will become the focus of intense scrutiny and discussion.
Although details about Camilla's gown remain a closely guarded secret, the 75-year-old queen consort has reportedly enlisted renowned British couturier Bruce Oldfield, who has previously worked with high-profile clients such as Princess Diana, Charles's ex-wife.
Fashion expert and royal commentator Miranda Holder believes the coronation gown will be a defining moment for Camilla, remarking, "It's going to go down in history."
The last British coronation, held in 1953, saw Queen Elizabeth II don an elaborate white satin gown. However, Camilla may choose a more subdued design, given King Charles III's desire to scale back the ceremony in light of the country's ongoing cost of living crisis.
At the upcoming Westminster Abbey ceremony, Camilla will wear a crimson velvet "Robe of State" and be crowned with Queen Mary's Crown, adorned with diamonds from the personal jewelry collection of her late mother-in-law.
Although Buckingham Palace has not confirmed Oldfield as the gown's designer, the 72-year-old couturier has developed a close professional relationship with Camilla since his days designing for Diana.
Notably, Oldfield created the stunning black evening gown Camilla wore during the royal couple's state visit to Germany in March. In 2014, he observed, "I gave Diana her glamour and Camilla her confidence."
While the fashion choices of Kate, Prince William's wife, often capture global attention, Camilla's style has generally garnered less interest. Young explains, "I don't think people kind of go, 'wow, look at what she's wearing!' But I think she knows perfectly what is the right fit for the right occasion."
Holder notes Camilla's affinity for pastel colors and bold jewelry, adding that the queen's age when marrying Prince Charles provided her with a certain advantage.
Speculation continues as to the design of Camilla's coronation gown. Holder predicts a blue or pastel color, as well as symbolism representing the Commonwealth nations and the United Kingdom's constituent countries. Young suggests Camilla will likely avoid an overly ostentatious design, considering the scrutiny and criticism she has faced over the years.
Despite concerns about the ceremony's potential costliness, Holder hopes that savings in other areas will permit a "bit of fantastic fashion" for the queen's historic moment.