Penny Mordaunt’s teal-coloured dress to go on public display

The teal-coloured dress worn by royal sword-bearer Penny Mordaunt at the coronation of King Charles is to go on public display.

People will be able to see the outfits worn by Ms Mordaunt and Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle when he throws open the doors to his state rooms in the Palace of Westminster.

Leader of the Commons Ms Mordaunt broke with tradition for the historic occasion and won the attention of the nation.

Instead of donning the black and gold court dress associated with her role as Lord President of the Privy Council, she commissioned a dress from London based atelier Safiyaa.

Embroidery featuring the traditional gold fern motif of the Privy Council was designed by Sukie Buzzacott at Hand & Lock and specialists at Jane Taylor London created the matching hat.

Visitors to the Speaker’s state apartments will also see Sir Lindsay’s black and gold Robe of State, traditional court dress, and lace jabot and cuffs.

They will get an up-close look at the attire of the Serjeant at Arms, the Speaker’s Chaplain, the Speaker’s Secretary, senior doorkeepers, and a Major from the Household Cavalry who led the procession to Westminster Abbey on May 6.

Ms Mordaunt, who has twice run to be Prime Minister, said: “I was incredibly proud to be able to play a part in the Coronation. The King and Queen carefully curated a magnificent, modern ceremony that reflected the character of each part of these isles.

“I hope that this exhibition gives many more people a chance to get involved and view some of the historic items on show that day”.

The magnificent rooms will be open to tours this summer.

Sir Lindsay said the ceremonial clothing was “as unique and special as the once-in-a-lifetime historic state occasion to which they were worn”.

He added: “Apart from feeling very honoured to be able to attend the Coronation of King Charles III, I was very pleased to be joined by my team in the procession to the Abbey. I hope visitors to Speaker’s House will enjoy viewing the ceremonial regalia worn on that special day, along with the State Bed, and the Speaker’s Coach that is on display in Westminster Hall.”

The Speaker’s lace jabot and cuffs were designed in Honiton, Devon, in the 1980s at the request of Speaker Sir Bernard Weatherill, a former master tailor.

Speakers Betty Boothroyd and Michael Martin wore the lace at special parliamentary occasions but Sir Lindsay’s modernising predecessor, John Bercow, opted for a more pared down look.

The lace was sent to Honiton’s local museum where it stayed until Sir Lindsay asked if he could use it again.

The tours of the state apartments will run from July 22 to September 2. Ms Mordaunt’s dress will be on display from August 3 until September 2.