Why Queen Camilla’s Gown For King Charles’ First Opening Of Parliament Looks So Familiar

Queen Camilla’s impressive State Opening ensemble not only harkened back to the coronation of her husband, King Charles III. It also paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, and the monarchs who came before her. The George IV State Diadem that Camilla wore has been worn by every British queen since King George IV, per People, including Queen Adelaide, Victoria, Alexandra, Mary, Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), and Elizabeth II.

Elizabeth II initially wore the George IV State Diadem at her first State Opening of Parliament in 1952. She then wore the crown, along with a commissioned velvet Robe of State, to her coronation one year later. Seven decades after that historic ceremony, the queen consort wore the diadem and the Robe of State to her first State Opening of Parliament.

Even Camilla’s choice to recycle her coronation gown aligns with the royal tradition. Queen Elizabeth II re-wore her Norman Hartnell coronation dress six times for various Openings of Parliament in Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Canada (via People). Additionally, Princess Catherine and her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, have both repeated their royal outfits over the years. After all, with dresses and gowns as glamorous as theirs, why not wear them again if you can?