Moths do a hole lot of damage to peers’ robes after years in storage
THE treasured Coronation robes passed down through generations have been unused for so long they have become moth-eaten, the Lord Great Chamberlain has admitted.
Peers invited to the Coronation were told this week that they can wear their Coronation robes, after a last-minute about-turn.
The change of tack saw peers scrambling to dig out their robes and have them cleaned and adjusted as required in time for tomorrow’s ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Lord Carrington, who will present the King with the ceremonial Golden Spurs, said he had dug his robe out of storage and tried it on, noting that it was “quite heavy”.
He told Times Radio: “The Coronation robe, which is a splendid garment, is huge with all that ermine, will disguise most things and no doubt keep me warm.
“We’ve only just been told we’re allowed to wear Coronation robes. And of course, the reason for that is that most people’s Coronation robes have been devoured by moths. But luckily, mine are in good order.”
The same could not be said for his trousers, which he admitted did not fit perfectly. He told Politico in a separate interview: “The tailor explained very politely that men’s calves have got much fatter, so a new pair of trousers, The collar and cuffs have been replaced because they were getting a little worn. But otherwise, it is the old uniform.”
Lord Carrington said it had been “an absolute pleasure” working with the King and Queen in the run-up to the ceremony. He added: “They appear extremely well, very relaxed and it’s been an absolute pleasure working with them at the rehearsals,”
The peer said the presentation of spurs to the King dates back to the time of Richard I.
“The particular spurs that I will be giving him are not those because they were melted down by Cromwell,” he added. They are somewhat newer.
“They, as I understand it, signify knighthood, chivalry, bravery… Then I will be disappearing, then standing behind the King, and receiving the glove.”
Lord Carrington said he would also be wearing his red-and-gold Lord Great Chamberlain tunic, from which hangs a “wonderful” key representing his custodianship of Parliament.
“The key is the embarrassing thing,” he said, “because when I appeared for the Lying-in-state wearing my uniform, I suddenly realised that the key had firmly the insignia of George V on it, rather than Charles III. So I have had to buy a new key – they are not cheap is all I can tell you!”
He acknowledged that there were a “few upset dukes about” who have not been invited to the Coronation but said he was optimistic about the Carolean era. “I think we’re already seeing how [the King is] going to rule,” he told Politico. “He is, to use that awful word, going to be more inclusive than perhaps the Queen was, but quite rightly – and [is] trying to pull the size of the whole monarchy down a bit.”