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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Jennifer Newton

King Charles and Camilla make secret Coronation prep visit just weeks before big day

King Charles and Queen Camilla have made a behind-scenes visit to check on preparations for their upcoming Coronation.

The couple will be crowned in just over six weeks' time at Westminster Abbey on May 6 - meaning preparations are well underway for the historic event.

And it has emerged that both the King and Queen made a trip to Hampton Court Palace yesterday to see some of those putting their talents to work for the big day.

According to the Court Circular, the official record of royal engagements, the couple visited the Royal School of Needlework, where they met with staff.

Queen Consort Camilla will be crowned at the same time as King Charles (Getty Images)

The Court Circular explained that they both "viewed the progress of work being undertaken for the Coronation by embroiderers and other members of Royal School of Needlework staff".

In addition, it added that they viewed "displays of objects from past Coronations from the Royal School of Needlework Archive and Collection and objects from the Historic Royal Palaces Collection".

It has not yet been confirmed by Buckingham Palace what Charles and Camilla will wear on their big day in several weeks' time.

Charles may wear military uniform for the ceremony (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

However, according to The Sun, he may wear a military uniform rather than the traditional silk stockings and breeches after reportedly being told they look too old-fashioned.

A source told the publication: "Though some of the more long-winded elements of the Coronation will be moved aside or modernised, the King was happy to wear the breeches and stockings. But in discussion with senior aides they are saying he should not wear them, so will arrive in a military uniform instead.

Kate, William, Camilla and Charles at the James Bond premiere, where Camilla wore a Bruce Oldfield gown (REX/Shutterstock)

“It is largely to do with modernising the coronation and stripping away the stuffiness. They think having a 74-year-old King arriving in stockings and breeches in 2023 looks too dated. They are probably right.”

Meanwhile, it has been claimed that the job of designing Camilla's Coronation dress has gone to Bruce Oldfield.

The designer, of whom the late Princess Diana was also a fan, has made several outfits for the Queen Consort in the past.

The gown will be teamed with Queen Mary's Crown, which it has been confirmed that Camilla will be crowned with.

It is the first time in recent history that an already existing crown will be used during the Coronation of a Queen Consort instead of a new one being made.

The palace says the decision to do this was made "in the interests of sustainability and efficiency".

Meanwhile, Charles will be crowned with the traditional St Edward's Crown and will also wear the Imperial State Crown.

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