Prince William is reportedly considering a more modern and less extravagant coronation ceremony than past monarchs, with some even urging him to abandon long-standing traditions that they describe as outdated or overly theatrical.
As the Prince of Wales recently turned 43, discussions have emerged around how his eventual coronation might unfold. His father, King Charles, already made adjustments to his own ceremony, trimming its length by 30 minutes compared to Queen Elizabeth II’s nearly three-hour event. According to Roya Nikkah, Royal Editor for the Sunday Times, William has suggested that his coronation will have a distinctly different tone and presentation.
A Simpler, More Inclusive Vision
Sources close to the royal household say William is leaning toward a ceremony that better reflects today’s society, with a focus on inclusion and unity across the Commonwealth. “Look at the coronations of medieval kings — they were staggeringly simple,” one insider told The Times. “Keep things that are pertinent to today, that reflect diversity, and get back to the core of it.”
This modern approach may include ditching one of the monarchy’s most iconic symbols: the Imperial State Crown.
The Crown Debate: Fit for a King or a Disney Movie?
The Imperial State Crown, created for King George VI’s 1937 coronation, is valued at around £5 billion and adorned with 3,170 precious stones. It was worn by both Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles during their respective coronations, with Charles donning it after he was crowned with the much older and heavier St Edward’s Crown, used solely for the act of crowning.
But whether William will follow suit remains uncertain. Some close to the prince believe the crown appears overly theatrical. One source quipped, “That ridiculous thing that looks like it’s out of Disney? No.” Instead, they recalled the simplicity and elegance of William and Catherine’s attire during Charles’ coronation. “What I remember most about that day were William and Catherine’s robes, Catherine’s beautiful, simple headpiece, and William wearing nothing on his head.”
Modern Dress Over Court Tradition
This isn’t the first time Prince William has strayed from royal tradition. At the 2024 Order of the Garter ceremony, he chose a modern white tie and trousers instead of the traditional Court Dress, which includes silk stockings and knee-breeches.
While King Charles wore the full regalia — including the classic garter outfit with embroidered details — William’s decision to skip the traditional look didn’t go unnoticed. Daily Mail Diary Editor Richard Eden remarked, “It would be great to see him in those silk stockings and breeches,” though he noted William seems “uncomfortable” in such attire.
Still, it appears William’s more relaxed approach is a source of amusement for Princess Kate. “You can always see her sort of teasing and giggling at him — particularly when it’s the Order of the Garter ceremony where he has to wear all the velvet robes and the feathers. That’s always fun,” Eden added.
As plans for Prince William’s future coronation continue to take shape, one thing seems clear: the next king may be ready to redefine royal ceremony to better reflect the values of the modern era.
