King Charles unveils 'first great surprise' at Coronation as he makes his way to Westminster Abbey
The King wore 'antique' white robes for the Coronation
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King Charles wore the white robes worn by his grandfather on his Coronation day as he began his procession down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
There had been uncertainty as to exactly what the monarch would wear for the historic ceremony after the King suggested he wanted to modernise his anointment.
Speaking on GB News, royal historian David Starkey described the decision as "one of the great surprises" of the Coronation.
He said: "The King is wearing white. This is astonishing.
The King and Queen travelled by horse drawn carriage to the Abbey
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"There's been this immense debate about what he would wear. He's clearly going to be robed.
"There was talk of him just being in military uniform, instead we are seeing something in fact, antique.
"This is I think one of the great surprises."
With Queen Camilla at his side, the King waved to thousands of spectators lining the street as he made his way to Westminster Abbey.
Prince George helped carry the train of the King's robes
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The white robes were described as 'astonishing' by David Starkey
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The 33-minute journey to Westminster Abbey began with the tri-service Guard of Honour outside Buckingham Palace’s gates giving a royal salute, as the King and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Coach first emerged, and the national anthem was played by a military band.
Huge Union flags and others from Commonwealth nations flew from poles in The Mall and Charles and Camilla’s route was lined by guardsmen in their distinctive red tunics and bearskins.
The Sovereign’s Escort was led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment band, 48 horses and musicians with two drum horses Atlas and Apollo leading the way, playing eight marches along the route.
Following were four divisions from the Household Cavalry with the King’s coach in the middle – two from the Blues and Royals taking the lead and Life Guards behind the carriage with the farriers carrying their axes at the rear.
Prince George and the other Pages of Honour were dressed in traditional uniform
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Upon arrival at Westminster Abbey's great west door, the King and Queen were greeted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, before moving inside.
The train of the King's robes were carried by his grandson, Prince George, along with Nicholas Barclay, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, both 13, and Ralph Tollemache, 12.
The Pages of Honour were dressed in traditional uniforms first seen at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.
The silk lined outfits were open-fronted in design and worn with a stcoat trimmed with gold braid.
The outfits were first made by Ede and Ravenscroft during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
A number of small, subtle tributes to the Queen were made by the new King during the Coronation ceremony.
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