By: Ishita Goel
May 9 2023
No, the carpet in Westminster Abbey on Coronation Day did not represent the Ukrainian flag
Share Article:
Fact-Check
The Verdict False
Westminster Abbey's carpet color was chosen to contrast the robes of the King and Queen Consort. It is a coincidence that it matches Ukraine's flag.
Claim ID 9aaf1ee6
Context
Following the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023, at Westminster Abbey in London, social media saw a surge in false and misleading posts related to the event.
One such post carrying a video of Westminster Abbey from the day of the coronation claimed that the yellow and blue carpet is a sign of Britain's solidarity with and support for Ukraine. Some social media users claimed that it depicted Ukraine's national flag, with one Twitter user writing, "King Charles III has chosen the colors of the Ukrainian Flag for his Coronation. Britain stands with Ukraine, always."
Notable individuals connected to Ukraine also shared photos of this carpet. Member of Ukrainian Parliament Kira Rudik wrote, "Inspired by the pictures of Ukraine's flag in Westminster Abbey for King Charles Coronation." Others claimed, "Nothing is at the King's Coronation by chance; everything is meticulously planned."
However, the color of the abbey's coronation theater was not intended to show support for Ukraine, and the claims are false.
In Fact
A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told The Telegraph that the colors in the abbey "were not chosen to represent the Ukrainian flag" but rather to highlight and contrast with the robes of the King and Queen, stating that the resemblance to the Ukrainian flag was a "happy coincidence."
The color scheme has been used in previous coronations, as seen in an image from The Royal Collection Trust website, which shows the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953. The photo shows that, 70 years ago, the colors in Westminster Abbey's coronation theatre were also yellow and blue.
Interior decoration magazine House Beautiful stated that the color combination likely arises from the Royal Standard flag. This flag, representing the United Kingdom, uses red, blue, and yellow.
Logically Facts has also contacted the Royal Collection Trust and the Royal Family for clarification. This story will be updated if and when we receive a response.
The Verdict
The spokesperson of Buckingham Palace has denied the claim that the abbey's carpet on Coronation Day symbolized the Ukrainian flag. The intention was to use colors preferred by the Royal family, specifically Queen Elizabeth. Therefore, we have marked this claim as false.