King Charles’ coronation made headlines for many reasons, from millions tuning in while the internet exploded with tributes to the ‘real Queen’ Diana, to Katy Perry and her embarrassing blunders. Despite this, it was labelled the event of the year as Charles was officially crowned the King of England.
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Prince George, then nine, was chosen as one of the Pages of Honour for the monarch. Despite the honour usually being granted to teenage sons of members of the nobility, Prince William and King Charles were keen on George taking the role to showcase the line of succession.
Prince George made King Charles make a major royal change during his coronation
When Prince George — who has his grandfather as his mentor — was made a Page of Honour, he wanted one ancient royal tradition to be changed for the ceremony. According to the Mirror, the future monarch persuaded King Charles to make a change in the page boys’ outfits as he feared being mocked at school by his friends.
Traditionally, the outfit includes white breeches, a smart red tunic with gold trimmings, black buckled shoes, a lace cravat, and ruffles. However, George was concerned he would be teased by his friends for wearing knee breeches and reportedly asked the King to omit that part of the outfit.
A source said George ‘wasn't keen on wearing tights and becoming a subject of ribaldry at school.’ As a result, the Pages of Honour — Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, 13, Nicholas Barclay, 13, and Ralph Tollemache, 12 — were allowed to wear trousers for the coronation instead of tights.
Who is a Page of Honour and what is their role in a coronation?
The Pages of Honour are usually the teenage sons of family, friends, and relatives of the King and Queen — mainly nobility and gentry, and especially the sons of senior Royal Household members. Both the King and Queen have separate Pages of Honour, reports Today.com.
These young boys attend to Their Majesties during the service. Their main role is to hold the King and Queen's heavy ceremonial robes. Pages of Honour are a part of the procession through the nave at Westminster Abbey.
Why was Prince George made a Page of Honour at the King’s coronation?
Prince William and King Charles were keen for the young prince to have a significant role at the coronation and decided he would be front and centre. Despite not being a teenager, George was given the role for showing a ‘great interest’ in the ceremony.
A palace insider said before the coronation:
The King is very keen to show those in the line of succession, his natural heirs, at the centre of his Coronation.
Even though he is only nine, George is very mature and already has a deep understanding of the roles of his grandfather and father, as well as his future role. This task is a wonderful sign of the future being laid out by the King.
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Sources Used
Mirror: Prince George 'persuaded' King Charles to abandon royal tradition to avoid being mocked by pals
Today.com: Who are King Charles' pages of honor during the coronation? Prince George is among the 8 boys selected
