Britain Celebrates: The Coronation

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 26 April 2023 > Celebrate


Prince Charles became King Charles III as soon as his mother Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022, but he will only crowned king at his coronation ceremony on 6 May, after a period of mourning. It is an event full of pageantry, with much of the ritual going back a thousand years.

The Coronation ceremony has taken place at Westminster Abbey in London since William the Conqueror was crowned there on 25 December 1066. Charles will be the fortieth monarch crowned there. His mother's coronation in 1953 was the first to be televised and it's estimated that 27 million people in the UK (out of the 36 million population) watched the ceremony on television.

King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will go from Buckingham Palace to the Abbey in the Diamond Jubilee Coach and return to the Palace in the gold State Coach.

The ceremony is presided by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest-ranking member of the Anglican clergy, using a text written by one of his predecessors for King Edgar in 959.

At the ceremony, at 11 a.m. on 6 May, the Crown Jewels will be used. They are normally kept in the Tower of London. They include the 2-kilo St Edward's crown which is only used for coronations, an orb and two sceptres, all encrusted with jewels.

Charles will swear the Coronation Oath, promising to serve the country and the Church of England, of which the monarch is head.  Camilla will also be crowned and swear an oath.

After the ceremony, they will appear on the balcony of the Palace to greet the crowds.

Public Celebrations
Many street parties are expected to take place, with Coronation Big Lunches. The Palace has concocted a Coronation quiche for people to try.

On Sunday 7 May, there will be a big televised concert at Buckingham Palace and on bank holiday Monday, people are being encouraged to volunteer for the Big Helpout.

If you'd like to get in the mood, you can access the Coronation toolkit including recipes, bunting and children's games.



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