King Charles III's coronation ceremony: Buckingham Palace reveals what to expect
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It's been over seven decades since the United Kingdom last crowned a new monarch - and the grand coronation ceremony is sure to be something to remember.
Now, Buckingham Palace has revealed the royal plans for the three-day celebration.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
On the morning of May 6th, history will be made as King Charles III's procession sets off from Buckingham Palace en route to Westminster Abbey, where the King and Queen Consort's coronation ceremony will take place.
Led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the one-hour celebration will be a modern take on the traditional coronation, stripped of excess and focusing on the monarch's role in today's world.
'The King has stripped back a lot of the Coronation in recognition that the world has changed in the past 70 years,' an insider said.
In a departure from tradition, King Charles is said to have chosen to don his military uniform over silk stockings and breeches, adding an extra level of significance to the event.
The guest list for the coronation remains under wraps, but with a limited capacity of 2,000 guests, compared to the 8,000 at the Queen's coronation, it promises to be a highly exclusive and intimate affair.
The entirety of the British royal family will likely be there. That includes Charles's three siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, along with his son, Prince William, and daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales.
It's unclear whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan will be in attendance.
But it's not just the elite who will be able to partake in the celebrations - a public ballot will open to award tickets to several thousand members of the public, allowing them to witness the coronation at Westminster Abbey - a chance to be a part of history and to see the modern monarchy in action.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
The celebrations for King Charles III's coronation won't end with the ceremony itself.
The following Sunday, May 7, neighbourhoods across the United Kingdom are invited to join in the 'Coronation Big Lunch' - a nationwide block party in honour of the new king. It's a chance for relatives and neighbours to come together and share a meal, fostering a sense of community and celebration!
But the festivities don't stop there. That night, Windsor Castle will host a concert like no other, featuring an orchestra and top entertainers from around the world.
The Coronation Choir and a Virtual Choir, made up of performers from across the country, will provide a musical backdrop to the grand event. The virtual choir will be particularly special, as it will include members from groups composed of deaf people, refugees, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This is a powerful message of inclusivity and a nod to King Charles III's modern and forward-thinking approach as a monarch.
MONDAY, MAY 8
The celebrations for King Charles III's coronation come to a fitting close on Monday, May 8th, with the United Kingdom's official bank holiday in honour of the event.
But the palace isn't content to simply take the day off - they're inviting the public to take part in 'The Big Help Out,' a nationwide initiative encouraging people to volunteer in their own communities.
'The aim of The Big Help Out is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend,' says the palace.
The Big Help Out, which is being organised by the Together Coalition in collaboration with the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, and church organisations across the United Kingdom will inspire communities to get together and volunteer to support their local areas.
Whether you're lucky enough to attend the events in person or are simply watching from the comfort of your own home, it will certainly be a historic day. So, members, better mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more information!
Have you ever been to a royal occasion before? Share your experiences with us in the comments!
Now, Buckingham Palace has revealed the royal plans for the three-day celebration.
SATURDAY, MAY 6
On the morning of May 6th, history will be made as King Charles III's procession sets off from Buckingham Palace en route to Westminster Abbey, where the King and Queen Consort's coronation ceremony will take place.
Led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the one-hour celebration will be a modern take on the traditional coronation, stripped of excess and focusing on the monarch's role in today's world.
'The King has stripped back a lot of the Coronation in recognition that the world has changed in the past 70 years,' an insider said.
In a departure from tradition, King Charles is said to have chosen to don his military uniform over silk stockings and breeches, adding an extra level of significance to the event.
The guest list for the coronation remains under wraps, but with a limited capacity of 2,000 guests, compared to the 8,000 at the Queen's coronation, it promises to be a highly exclusive and intimate affair.
The entirety of the British royal family will likely be there. That includes Charles's three siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, along with his son, Prince William, and daughter-in-law Catherine, Princess of Wales.
It's unclear whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan will be in attendance.
But it's not just the elite who will be able to partake in the celebrations - a public ballot will open to award tickets to several thousand members of the public, allowing them to witness the coronation at Westminster Abbey - a chance to be a part of history and to see the modern monarchy in action.
SUNDAY, MAY 7
The celebrations for King Charles III's coronation won't end with the ceremony itself.
The following Sunday, May 7, neighbourhoods across the United Kingdom are invited to join in the 'Coronation Big Lunch' - a nationwide block party in honour of the new king. It's a chance for relatives and neighbours to come together and share a meal, fostering a sense of community and celebration!
But the festivities don't stop there. That night, Windsor Castle will host a concert like no other, featuring an orchestra and top entertainers from around the world.
The Coronation Choir and a Virtual Choir, made up of performers from across the country, will provide a musical backdrop to the grand event. The virtual choir will be particularly special, as it will include members from groups composed of deaf people, refugees, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
This is a powerful message of inclusivity and a nod to King Charles III's modern and forward-thinking approach as a monarch.
MONDAY, MAY 8
The celebrations for King Charles III's coronation come to a fitting close on Monday, May 8th, with the United Kingdom's official bank holiday in honour of the event.
But the palace isn't content to simply take the day off - they're inviting the public to take part in 'The Big Help Out,' a nationwide initiative encouraging people to volunteer in their own communities.
'The aim of The Big Help Out is to use volunteering to bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend,' says the palace.
The Big Help Out, which is being organised by the Together Coalition in collaboration with the Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service, and church organisations across the United Kingdom will inspire communities to get together and volunteer to support their local areas.
Key Takeaways
- King Charles III's coronation will be celebrated over three days with a one-hour ceremony, 2,000 guests, and scaled-back extravagant plans.
- The service and celebration 'will reflect the Monarch's role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in long-standing traditions and pageantry’.
- A public ballot for tickets will allow members of the public to attend, and The Big Help Out will 'bring communities together and create a lasting volunteering legacy from the coronation weekend’.
Have you ever been to a royal occasion before? Share your experiences with us in the comments!