How Penny Mordaunt Became the Quiet – and Stylish – Star of the Coronation Ceremony

The gold embroidery on Mordaunt’s cloak and headpiece is the work of 250-year-old Hand and Lock embroidery, which also embroiders royal ciphers. The fern shape is a nod to the secret world uniform motif, adapted and “feminized” for the garment.

The look was modern and elegant, with just the right amount of traditional craftsmanship. Apparently, symbolic dressing is not a specialty of the royal family.

Mordaunt told Politico last week that she “doesn’t think it’s right” to wear the same outfit as Salisbury. Instead, she said, she wanted to “come up with something that’s modern and gives a strong nod to the heritage” of the occasion.

Saturday’s well-judged appearance follows her historic role in September when she became the first woman to preside over the royal council’s post-accession ceremony at St James’s Palace.

For the occasion, just two days after the late Queen’s death, she wore a black structured dress with a full midi skirt, matching cardigan and another bandeau-style headpiece. Occasions appropriate and elegant, but not obtrusive, with an emphasis on action rather than fashion.

Mordaunt was praised for the poise and authority with which she conducted the ceremony. The grace and elegance with which she played her part on Saturday will no doubt garner the same response.