The Worst Dressed Celebs At King Charles' Coronation

The pomp, ceremony, and ostentatious wealth of the British Empire were on full display on May 6 as crowds thronged the London streets, standing for hours in the drizzle to watch King Charles III's coronation. There was a solid gold carriage — with air conditioning fitted, no less — the king's guard riding a seemingly never-ending procession of horses, mink robes, massive gold plates and scepters, dazzling jewels, throngs of world leaders, and even a bunch of celebrities, some in all their finery. Others? Not so much.

Just as there are strict rules the royals have to follow, there's also a long list of directives guests should follow regarding dress code. In a nod to his commitment to environmentalism, Charles ordered a selection of the highest dignitaries performing in the historic ceremony to wear second-hand robes. It's doubtful his decision cut much off the £150 million ($189.5 million) bill The Sun estimates the historic event will cost British taxpayers. Still, every penny counts in these times of hardship.

There were definitely no second-hand duds worn by the glittering array of spectators, though, which included a who's who of the country's noble, elite, and powerful — and a footballer. David Beckham and his wife, Victoria Beckham, were among those seated in the pews. Not surprisingly, they both looked beautifully groomed and styled to a T, as usual. But what about the famous folks who weren't? Who were the worst-dressed celebs at King Charles' coronation?

King Charles III kissed Queen Camilla — and he liked it. Still, we're unsure he'll be a fan of Katy Perry's coronation ensemble. "[Guests] don't want to take away from the sovereign," Kinsey Schofield told Marie Claire. "I don't think you'll see a lot of people trying to stand out at a Christian ceremony," she added. But Perry definitely stood out in her bright, bubble gum pink Vivienne Westwood dress with corset-style waistcoat, humungous, flying saucer hat placed at a jaunty angle, multi-string pearl choker with the late designer's signature golden orb, elbow-length gloves, and white purse.

Emma Thompson arrived, flashing peace signs and waving to the crowd. The celebrity, who's close friends with the royal family, was channeling Mrs. Doubtfire in a red and black floral ensemble that more closely resembled a housecoat. However, despite looking like she'd arrived straight from cleaning the palace stairs, the price tag of Thompson's outfit was undoubtedly event-appropriate. The Evening Standard reports her Emilia Wickstead coat cost an average cleaner's monthly wages at £1,800 ($2,275). The look was toned down with a simple black dress. Thompson told Vanity Fair once that dancing with Charles was "better than sex." We just hope he doesn't trip on this monstrosity if they get to cut a rug after the main event.

As Patsy Stone, Joanna Lumley is known for her love of haute couture. However, the actor looked far from absolutely fabulous at King Charles' coronation, as it was more a case of "What is Joanna Lumley wearing?" rather than "Who?" Lumley was less "sweety darling" and more "Ahoy, matey!" clad in a voluminous and shapeless monochromatic navy blue tent-like, button-front dress with a white Peter Pan collar, white gloves, and matching white hat set back on her head. Lumley finished the look with navy woolen pantyhose and what looked like orthopedic navy-colored flats with white soles.

With her 1950s air steward-style gold leaf embossed teal cape and matching hat, British parliamentarian Penny Mordaunt looked like she'd arrived fresh from Heathrow after working the New York to London red-eye. At first glance, the Conservative MP even appeared to be wheeling a carry-on behind her. However, it was just an optical illusion as there is staff for that, as well as two umbrella carriers. Mordaunt went bare-legged and took the weight off her tired feet by wearing black ballet flats with grey diamante bows that looked like something she'd discovered buried in the back of her closet.

It was surprising when Nick Cave popped up in the pews. The former anti-establishment punk was a guest list wild card. Per Sky News, Cave was "an admirer of the Queen," which is a broad invite criterion. In fact, in a recent edition of his newsletter, "The Red Hand Files," Cave referred to Elizabeth II as "the most charismatic woman I have ever met" (via Far Out). Cave wore an elegant black suit, waistcoat, matching tie, and white shirt. However, you can take the man out of punk, but you can never take the punk out of the man. As proven by the greasy mop of shoulder-length slicked-back hair, Cave sat nervously slithering with his fingers when not texting.

Queen Letizia of Spain was another who didn't receive the "don't try and stand out" memo. King Felipe VI of Spain's wife wore a tailored Carolina Herrera skirt and ruched jacket that was such a vivid, bright pink, it left Katy Perry in the shade. Letizia usually never puts a foot wrong regarding her style choices. However, she was forced to cling to her husband to maintain her balance as she struggled to walk in her matching pink, ill-fitted kitten heels. The former journalist finished the look with a woven, straw lampshade masquerading as a hat.

Samantha Cameron looked like she'd nipped into Forever 21 or her grannie's closet rather than splash out on a posh frock. However, it turns out Samantha didn't even pay Forever 21 prices. The Telegraph reports that she was wearing Ceffin, Samantha's own label that boasts their clothes are "good to go 24/7, from a day in the office to a dinner date with friends." No mention of their suitability for attending a historically significant event, but still, good promotion for her business. David Cameron's wife did splurge on a Jess Collett hat, though, which cost £1000-£2000 ($1,260-$2,520).