Prince William is reportedly considering a modernised coronation ceremony, breaking with long-standing royal traditions deemed outdated. The Prince of Wales, who turned 43, is said to favour a more subdued event, inspired by medieval kings and focused on relevance and unity for the Commonwealth.
According to Sunday Times Royal Editor Roya Nikkah, William has hinted at a ceremony that is both 'relevant' to modern times and 'unifying'. A source close to the prince suggested the coronation should strip away unnecessary pomp and reflect diversity, with one proposal being to retire the Imperial State Crown, a £5 billion masterpiece featuring 3,170 precious stones.
An insider dismissed the crown as 'ridiculous', comparing it to a Disney fairy tale, and recalled William and Catherine's wedding day, noting that William wore no headpiece. The choice of crown remains uncertain, but there is a nostalgic pull towards the Imperial State Crown due to its connections to his father and grandmother.
William has already shown a willingness to break with tradition; at the 2024 Order of the Garter Service, he opted for a modern white tie ensemble with regular trousers instead of the traditional knee breeches and silk stockings. Daily Mail Diary Editor Richard Eden expressed disappointment, noting William seemed 'uncomfortable' in formal wear, while Princess Kate reportedly enjoys teasing him during such ceremonies.
King Charles set a precedent by shortening his coronation by half an hour compared to Queen Elizabeth II's three-hour event. William's plans are still in early stages, but the shift towards a simpler, more inclusive ceremony appears likely.
